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- Advocates Immediate Removal Of Entire Electricity Value Chain From Exclusive List
- Experts Recommend Implementation Of Real-Time Remote Monitoring System
- States Should Invest In Mini-Grids, Solar Energy To Reduce Reliance On National Grid
- Northern Senators Demand Power Restoration To Kano, Katsina, Jigawa
Following the frequent and recurring national power grid collapses that have rocked the country, former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar, has stepped forward with potential solutions to address this menace.
The Matrix reports that Nigeria has experienced multiple grid failures recently, leaving millions without electricity and crippling economic activities. The most recent collapse was particularly severe, dropping power generation to a mere 273 megawatts.
To this effect, Abubakar has urged for the immediate removal of the entire electricity value chain from the exclusive list, allowing states to manage their own electricity generation, transmission, and distribution.
While the Electricity Act has placed electricity on the concurrent list, much of the power generation and distribution remains under federal control.
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In a tweet on Saturday, Atiku expressed that there’s no justification for an industrial dispute with the Federal Government in Abuja to disrupt industrial activities across states or cities in the country.
“Even as we focus on investments in additional generation, there’s a compelling need for capacity for the complementary transmission and distribution infrastructure to transport the supplementary energy produced,” he said.
The former vice president expressed concern that the South East, along with the North West and North East, have experienced complete blackouts for the past three weeks. He emphasized that there are energy opportunities in various parts of the country, advocating for a strategic mix of renewable sources (such as hydro, solar, wind, and biofuels) alongside non-renewable options (like coal and gas).
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“I want to reiterate my previous recommendation to encourage private investors to develop multiple green-field mini-grid transmission systems that can be integrated into the super-grid in the medium to long term.”
Atiku urged all government departments responsible for addressing power failures to act swiftly and restore electricity to the affected geopolitical zones.
While the specifics of his plan are not yet full-fledged, experts like Samuel Ohwesi recommend implementing Real-Time Remote Monitoring And Data Acquisition (RRMDA) systems to swiftly identify and address grid anomalies. This technology enables grid operators to make informed decisions, isolate faults, and reroute power to prevent catastrophic failures.
Nigerians expressed frustration over the frequent collapse of Nigeria’s national grid, calling it an embarrassing issue. They urged state governments to seek alternative energy sources to mitigate the impact of ongoing power outages.
Jennifer Tema, a restaurant owner, highlighted significant losses due to spoiled perishable goods, emphasizing the need for state intervention in alternative energy solutions. Similarly, Dennis Tyosula, who runs a computer center and betting shop, reported financial strain from relying on generators fueled by expensive petrol.
An anonymous source from the Jos Electricity Distribution Company suggested that government officials benefit from the current power system failures and are not motivated to resolve the outages. They asserted that Nigeria has the necessary technology and manpower to address its power challenges and urged states to invest in mini-grids and solar energy to reduce reliance on the national grid.
Meanwhile, Senators from northern Nigeria are demanding urgent action to restore electricity to Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa states, where residents are suffering from severe power outages. Speaking on behalf of the Northern Senators Forum, they emphasized the need for prompt intervention to alleviate the hardships faced by their constituents.
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The prolonged outages, mainly due to vandalism and disturbances in the national grid, have placed significant economic pressure on the region. Chairman Abdulaziz Yar’adua stated, “Small businesses are struggling, hospitals are incurring higher running costs, and people’s livelihoods are being severely affected.”
The senators outlined specific requests for government intervention to stabilize and improve the power supply in the affected states. They called for expedited repairs on the Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines to ensure reliable electricity, as well as enhanced security measures to prevent further vandalism of power infrastructure. Additionally, they urged support for sustainable energy solutions, including renewable energy and mini-grid initiatives proposed by the Kano Electricity Distribution Company.
In a statement in Katsina, Yar’adua described the power outage as critical, highlighting its negative impact on the economy, healthcare delivery, and rising fuel costs for citizens.
