A Federal Government panel has pinpointed poor maintenance culture, inadequate and aged equipment, and high voltage as the main causes of Nigeria’s frequent national power grid collapses. The most recent of these collapses occurred on Tuesday, marking the 10th in 2024 alone.
Nafisatu Asabe Ali, Chairman of the investigative committee, presented the findings at a report session in Abuja on Wednesday. The panel’s investigation revealed that high voltage exceeded equipment capacity during blackouts on October 14 and 19, 2024, leading to damage at key stations, including Jebba and Oshogbo.
Ali further explained that the aging infrastructure, particularly in Jebba, which was commissioned in 1968, contributed significantly to the grid’s failure. Other issues identified include vandalism, inadequate power plant governance, and uncoordinated maintenance schedules.
In response, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu emphasized the need for additional funding and reforms to tackle these issues, expressing hope that the ongoing grid collapse could be reversed with strategic changes.
