BLACKOUTS: GROUP URGES URGENT NATIONAL GRID OVERHAUL

A coalition of civil society organisations and energy experts has called for an urgent overhaul of the national power grid to address the persistent blackouts plaguing many parts of the country.

The group, under the aegis of the Power Sector Reform Coalition, made the call on Friday during a press conference in Abuja. They blamed the frequent system collapses on outdated infrastructure, inadequate maintenance, and poor coordination among sector players.

Convener of the coalition, Mr. Chinedu Okafor, said the current grid is no longer capable of meeting the country’s growing electricity demand. “We have had too many blackouts this year. The national grid needs a comprehensive overhaul to improve stability and increase capacity,” Okafor stated.

The group recommended the immediate implementation of a national grid modernisation plan that includes the installation of smart grid technologies, upgrade of transmission lines, and construction of new substations. They also called for better funding and private sector participation in grid management.

The coalition criticised the slow pace of reforms in the power sector and urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on electricity supply. They proposed the establishment of an independent task force to oversee the rehabilitation and expansion of the national grid.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) have been urged to provide regular updates on their efforts to improve grid stability and reduce system collapses.

Residents across the country continue to experience prolonged power outages, forcing many to rely on expensive alternative power sources. The coalition warned that without urgent action, the power crisis could worsen and further hamper economic activities.

The call for a national grid overhaul has been supported by various stakeholders who believe that a reliable electricity supply is critical to Nigeria’s economic development and the well-being of its citizens.