Nigeria’s fragile power infrastructure faced another setback as the National Grid collapsed for the 12th time this year, occurring on Wednesday at approximately 2:09 pm. The latest collapse once again left many parts of the country without electricity, deepening concerns about the reliability of the nation’s power supply.
This marks a troubling pattern of instability, with 11 grid collapses recorded since January 2024. Alarmingly, in October alone, the grid failed three times within a single week, highlighting the persistent vulnerabilities in the country’s energy system.
Confirming the incident, a statement from the official handle of Nigeria’s National Grid announced: “A major grid setback has occurred, and the restoration is to commence.”
The recurring collapses have drawn widespread criticism from Nigerians, who continue to grapple with the economic and social impacts of inconsistent power supply. Many have called on the government to expedite efforts to modernize the grid infrastructure, which experts say is outdated and overstretched.
Efforts to stabilize the grid have been ongoing, with the Federal Government implementing various interventions, including privatizing parts of the power sector and exploring renewable energy solutions. However, these measures have yet to yield significant results, as evidenced by the grid’s repeated failures.
The National Grid, which serves as the backbone of electricity distribution in Nigeria, is often overburdened due to inadequate capacity and technical inefficiencies. Experts suggest that addressing the issue requires substantial investments in infrastructure, improved management, and a clear commitment to diversifying energy sources.
As Nigeria continues to aspire to become an industrialized economy, the unreliability of its power supply remains a significant obstacle, impacting industries, businesses, and households nationwide. For many Nigerians, the question remains: when will the lights stay on?
