Federal Government Cites Ageing Infrastructure and Poor Maintenance for Power Grid’s Repeated Failures
Nigeria’s persistent national grid collapses stem from outdated infrastructure and inadequate maintenance, government officials disclosed on Wednesday. In its latest report, the investigative committee led by Nafisatu Asabe Ali pinpointed deteriorating equipment, high voltage issues, and poor operational practices as central causes for recent outages, including blackouts on October 14 and 19.
Ali detailed these findings at the Ministry of Power headquarters in Abuja, explaining that the grid’s aging equipment has proven vulnerable to high voltage, which accelerates wear on critical parts. Notably, lightning arrestors shattered at Jebba and Oshogbo stations, alongside transformer explosions, sparking major outages. “Jebba, for instance, was commissioned in 1968, and much of the equipment dates back to that time,” she said. “These are aged components suffering from inadequate maintenance, which has allowed voltage levels to rise far beyond safe limits.”
The committee identified a range of additional issues, including vandalism, insufficient capacity at generation plants, uncoordinated maintenance efforts, and human resource shortages. In response, Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu announced that he would seek additional budget allocations to fund crucial infrastructure upgrades. “This persistent failure of the grid is unacceptable,” Adelabu stated, pledging urgent reforms to prevent further blackouts. He also noted his intention to submit an amended report to President Tinubu that reflects the necessary financial investments.
Among the committee’s recommendations are a thorough audit of existing infrastructure, enhanced maintenance protocols, installation of harmonic filters, decentralisation of transmission controls, and enforced compliance with the Free Governor Mode of Operation to stabilise generation.
As officials attempt to address these systemic issues, the report underscores the severe impact of Nigeria’s ageing power grid and calls for immediate action to prevent further disruption across the nation.
