Why power grid collapse may keep reoccurring – FG

The Federal Government has warned that the collapse of Nigeria’s national electricity grid will continue due to security challenges, particularly the vandalism of key transmission lines.

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, revealed this during a Senate budget defence session on Monday.

He said the grid remains vulnerable because a crucial transmission line—the Shiroro-Kaduna-Mando line—has been out of service since October 2024.

The line, which was damaged by vandals, is one of the two major lines that transmit power to northern Nigeria.

“The Kaduna-Shiroro-Mando line was one of the two major lines transmitting power to the north. The second, the Ugwuaji-Makurdi line, was also vandalized but has been repaired,” he said.

“The Shiroro-Mando-Kaduna line, however, remains down due to insecurity.

“This ongoing vulnerability has contributed to frequent grid collapses, putting pressure on the already fragile power network.”

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The minister acknowledged that while such collapses are expected to continue, efforts are being made to reduce their frequency and ensure restoration of power.

Adelabu also stressed the importance of collaboration with security agencies, particularly the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), to address the widespread vandalism that hinders the power sector’s progress.

The minister outlined a significant budget for the power sector in 2025, including a ₦700 billion fund to address the country’s metering gaps and enhance billing transparency.

He said ₦36 billion investment will be made in distributing transformers across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

Adelabu proposed installing solar lights and CCTV cameras along highways to monitor and deter criminal activities, with a ₦200 billion allocation in the 2025 budget.