By DAYO ADESULU
Adebayo Adelabu Calls for Decentralization in Nigeria’s Electricity Sector
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has stressed the urgent need for the establishment of regional power grids to address the recurring issue of grid collapses in Nigeria. Speaking at the unveiling of Hexing Livoltek, an electricity meter manufacturing company in Lekki, Lagos State, the minister highlighted the challenges posed by the current power infrastructure.
Urgency for Infrastructure Overhaul
Adelabu acknowledged that grid collapses are nearly unavoidable due to the deteriorating state of the nation’s power infrastructure. He emphasized that creating multiple power grids across various regions and states would enhance stability and reliability in electricity supply.
“The Electricity Act signed by President Bola Tinubu in 2023 has decentralized power, allowing subnational governments to participate in electricity generation, transmission, and distribution,” Adelabu explained. He pointed out that reliance on a single national grid means disturbances affect all 36 states, which is not sustainable.
Proposed Benefits of Decentralization
The minister proposed that by developing regional and state-specific grids, issues in one grid would only impact the respective state, preserving overall national power stability. This decentralized approach is expected to significantly reduce the impact of infrastructure failures on the general population.
Investment Critical to Prevent Future Collapses
Addressing the recurring theme of grid collapses, Adelabu underscored the necessity for substantial investment in power infrastructure to prevent future incidents. “Without sufficient investment, grid collapses—whether total or partial—are almost inevitable,” he stated. He remarked on the outdated transformers still in use, some over 50 years old, which hinder optimal performance.
In recent months, Adelabu noted a relative calm in the power sector, with no significant grid collapses until a partial collapse occurred two days prior to his address. He emphasized the importance of improving response times to such issues and the ongoing need for infrastructure upgrades.
Hexing Livoltek’s Investment in Nigeria
During the event, Adelabu praised Hexing Livoltek for its commitment to local investment, especially at a time when some companies are divesting. The launch of the meter manufacturing facility is seen as a pivotal step towards enhancing local content, creating jobs, and reducing Nigeria’s dependency on imported meters.
Robert Liang, CEO of Hexing Group, expressed optimism about the company’s future in Nigeria, describing the opening of the factory as a significant commitment to advancing clean energy and smart energy systems in the country.
Conclusion: A Step Towards a Reliable Power Future
The recent developments in Nigeria’s power sector, including the advocacy for regional grids and the establishment of local manufacturing capabilities, signify a critical shift in the approach to tackling the nation’s electricity challenges. With a focus on investment and decentralization, the government aims to foster a more stable and efficient energy environment for all Nigerians.
