Nigeria’s power sector faced significant challenges in 2024, with Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu acknowledging that the national grid will continue experiencing failures due to its antiquated and deteriorating condition. Speaking during a Senate Committee budget defense session, Adelabu clarified that the grid experienced eight collapses in 2024, not twelve as previously reported.
Despite these setbacks, the minister reported some positive developments. Power generation capacity increased by 34 percent, rising from 4,100 MW in 2023 to 5,528 MW by the end of 2024, partly due to the addition of the 700 MW Zungeru hydroelectric dam. Energy access also improved from 59 to 64 percent through expanded grid access and renewable energy initiatives.
However, security challenges have hampered crucial infrastructure repairs. The Shiroro-Kaduna-Mando transmission line remains unfixed after engineers were forced to retreat due to terrorist attacks. This has left the northern region dependent on a single power line, making the grid increasingly vulnerable.
Looking ahead, the government has allocated N12.7 billion for meter installation in army barracks nationwide. Meanwhile, Senate Power Committee Chairman Eyinnaya Abaribe has called for a review of power distribution companies’ contracts, questioning the government’s continued funding of these entities despite their performance issues.
The minister expressed optimism about improvements in 2025, though acknowledging that the aging infrastructure remains a significant challenge until the Presidential Power Initiative can complete a comprehensive grid overhaul.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
