In response to recent grid disturbances that left parts of the country without power, Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has established a forensic investigative committee. The committee is tasked with identifying the causes of the failures and recommending solutions to prevent future disruptions.
According to a statement from the minister’s media aide, Bolaji Tunji, the national grid experienced two significant disturbances within a week, prompting the minister to summon the leadership of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission and the Transmission Company of Nigeria for an emergency meeting.
Adelabu expressed his concern over the disturbances, noting that they undermine progress in the power sector.
“The disruptions threaten to overshadow the significant advancements we’ve made, including reaching a record generation of 5,527 megawatts—the highest in three years,” he said.
The minister highlighted the importance of grid stability and resilience, emphasizing that the committee would “advise the government on strengthening the grid alongside ongoing initiatives such as the Presidential Power Initiative and the Nigeria Electricity Transmission Project.”
The committee will also investigate the potential causes of the incidents, including the possibility of sabotage. A technical team has been dispatched to assess critical points in the national grid to identify vulnerabilities. “We need to ensure the grid is both smart and resilient to prevent future occurrences,” Adelabu noted.
The disruptions were initially triggered by a line tripping at the Jebba Transmission Substation on October 14, followed by further issues at the Osogbo Substation. Although some reports indicated a complete collapse, Adelabu clarified: “There was no collapse on October 15 as speculated. The challenges we faced were part of efforts to restore power after the initial disturbance.”
Further complications arose on October 19 when an explosion occurred at the Jebba Substation. However, the minister explained that the event was a “deliberate protective shutdown” to prevent further damage. Power was restored within two hours, he said, adding, “Preliminary investigations suggest the explosion was caused by ageing equipment, unrelated to the earlier disturbances.”
The committee, consisting of experts from key agencies, is expected to submit its findings by November 1, 2024. Members include Engr Nafisat Ali, Executive Director of the Independent System Operator, Dr Chidi Ike, Commissioner at NERC, and Mr Adedayo Olowoniyi, Chief Technical Adviser to the minister.
The committee’s report will help shape future investments in Nigeria’s power infrastructure, ensuring a more stable and reliable national grid.
