The Federal Government has announced plans to revamp the national power grid to address frequent disruptions and improve electricity supply nationwide.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, explained that the current grid, which is over 50 years old, suffers from outdated and deteriorating infrastructure. Components like transmission lines and substations, many equipped with aging transformers, have weakened significantly over time.
According to Adelabu, numerous towers installed decades ago have started to degrade due to exposure to changing weather conditions and require ongoing maintenance.
“Maintaining this grid is costly, as it requires substantial funds to ensure adequate upkeep,” he stated. “While we continue to manage the existing system to minimize disruptions, our ultimate goal is to achieve a 100% overhaul of this infrastructure.”
The minister emphasized that the Federal Government is actively working on revamping the grid, implementing various programs to replace outdated components. Key initiatives include the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), commonly known as the Siemens project, and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN)’s expansion program, supported by the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB).
He noted that the Siemens project’s pilot phase recently concluded, which involved importing 10 new power transformers and 10 mobile substations. Phase one of the project is set to begin soon, which is expected to significantly enhance grid performance.
Adelabu attributed recent improvements in power stability to the replacement of many aging transformers with new ones, as well as the installation of mobile substations in critical areas.
“We’ll continue managing the current system to prevent frequent disturbances until we fully overhaul the infrastructure,” he said.
He also appealed to Nigerians to protect power infrastructure, stressing the high costs associated with it. He pointed out that vandalism of these facilities not only costs the government but also contributes to hardships for citizens.
