Grid Collapses Persist as Insecurity Impacts Nigeria’s Power Sector
The persistent collapse of Nigeria’s national grid continues to hinder the country’s energy sector, with the government pointing to insecurity and vandalism as primary challenges. Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, addressing the Senate Joint Committee on Power during the 2025 budget defense, acknowledged that these issues have severely compromised the Shiroro-Kaduna-Mando transmission line in northern Nigeria, a critical component of the nation’s electricity infrastructure.
A Fragile Grid Under Pressure
The Shiroro-Kaduna-Mando line, vandalized in October 2024, remains inoperable due to the high-security risks in the region, forcing a heavy reliance on the Ugwuaji-Makurdi line. According to Adelabu, this dependence has overburdened the grid, making it more prone to failures. “The Kaduna-Shiroro-Mando line was one of two major transmission lines supplying power to the north. Its absence has created a fragile system, dependent on a single line and vulnerable to collapse,” he stated.
Budget Allocation Amid Rising Insecurity
The government has earmarked N2 trillion for the Ministry of Power in the 2025 budget, with N229 billion allocated to the ministry directly. Of this, N700 billion is set aside for the Power Metering Initiative (PMI) to close the metering gap and reduce fraud in the electricity system. However, insecurity remains a significant obstacle, diverting resources and attention from infrastructural development to address vandalism.
Adelabu proposed a N200 billion security enhancement sub-head, including measures such as solar-powered streetlights and CCTV cameras on highways to deter vandals. “Critical infrastructure must be protected. We are working closely with the National Security Adviser’s office to ensure the safety of power assets,” he emphasized.
Security Challenges Stalling Progress
The Shiroro-Kaduna-Mando line’s repair delays reflect broader challenges in Nigeria’s power sector, which operates in regions plagued by banditry and insurgency. Critics argue that the government’s inability to secure critical infrastructure undermines the effectiveness of allocated budgets. For instance, despite a record-breaking N8 trillion national security budget for 2025, banditry remains rampant, with attacks frequently targeting vital installations.
Persistent Banditry and National Implications
The intersection of security lapses and infrastructure vulnerabilities highlights systemic issues in governance. Analysts have noted that persistent banditry not only disrupts power transmission but also increases the cost of repairs and weakens investor confidence in the energy sector. A recent grid collapse on December 11, 2024, marked the year’s highest number of outages, further intensifying public frustration over unreliable power supply.
Balancing Priorities for Sustainable Solutions
Adelabu’s proposed measures reflect the government’s acknowledgment of these challenges, but critics remain skeptical about their feasibility. While investments in metering and transformer distribution offer long-term benefits, the failure to address insecurity comprehensively could nullify these efforts. “The government must prioritize synergy between security and infrastructure development to break the cycle of vandalism and grid failures,” said an energy analyst.
As the administration strives to balance development and security, the frequent collapse of the national grid underscores the urgent need for holistic solutions to address Nigeria’s power and security crises.
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