The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has stated that the national grid will continue to face collapses until repairs are carried out on critical infrastructure, particularly the Ugwachi-Bauchi-Makurdi line.
He attributed the delay in these repairs to persistent insecurity in the northern region, which has hindered access to the damaged facilities.
Speaking during the Senate Committee on Power’s review of his ministry’s 2025 budget, Adelabu explained that the inability to address these issues has placed undue strain on existing infrastructure, leaving the grid vulnerable. He noted that the national grid, being outdated, requires a comprehensive overhaul to achieve stability and efficiency.
Grid Collapse Statistics and Security Concerns
Contrary to reports of 12 grid collapses in 2024, Adelabu clarified that there were only eight incidents, comprising five full collapses and three partial ones. He revealed that three of the full collapses were caused by sudden reductions in electricity generation, which disrupted grid frequency. The remaining two were attributed to vandalism of critical infrastructure.
He emphasized the importance of fixing the Shiroro-Mando-Kaduna and Ugwachi-Bauchi-Makurdi transmission lines, noting that insecurity in affected regions has prevented progress. “The Shiroro-Kaduna-Mando line, in particular, remains unfixed, which has left the grid extremely fragile,” Adelabu said.
2024 Budget Performance and 2025 Proposals
Adelabu informed lawmakers that the ministry achieved a 50–55% implementation rate of its 2024 budget and expressed optimism about reaching 80% by June 2025. He justified the proposed 2025 budget, highlighting a total allocation of ₦2 trillion for the power sector. Of this, ₦810 billion is earmarked for loan repayments, including multilateral and bilateral loans tied to projects like the Siemens initiative.
Despite these allocations, Adelabu lamented the lack of direct appropriations for the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), which has over 100 incomplete projects. He urged lawmakers to provide funding for TCN, noting that reliance on the agency’s internally generated revenue is insufficient due to stagnant electricity tariffs.
Key Initiatives for 2025
The Minister outlined several initiatives aimed at addressing grid stability, expanding access to electricity, and improving power distribution:
- Transmission Projects: The ministry plans to complete 8–12 priority TCN projects using ₦25 billion, though the original request was ₦100 billion.
- Transformer Replacement: ₦36 billion has been allocated for the procurement and distribution of transformers and poles across the six geopolitical zones.
- Rural Electrification: To address energy poverty in rural areas, ₦30 billion will fund renewable energy projects, including solar energy systems and street lighting under the “Renewed Hope Light Up Rural Areas” program.
- Emergency Infrastructure Repairs: ₦10 billion has been set aside for emergency restoration of vandalized TCN infrastructure.
- Mini-Grids and Advocacy: ₦8 billion will support the development of mini-hydro and solar grids, while ₦200 million is allocated for public education on protecting power assets.
Adelabu concluded by urging Nigerians to view power assets as shared national resources. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to secure and maintain these assets, ensuring reliable electricity for all.
The 2025 budget proposals, if approved, could mark a significant step toward addressing Nigeria’s power challenges and fostering economic development. However, successful implementation will depend on resolving the security challenges that continue to hinder progress.
