States Decry Incessant Grid Collapse, Seek Decentralisation

The Forum of Commissioners of Power and Energy in Nigeria, under the leadership of its chairman, Prince Eka Williams, has expressed deep concern over the frequent grid collapses plaguing the national electricity supply chain.

The forum said yesterday’s incident underscored the urgent need for sustainable and decentralised solutions to ensure uninterrupted power supply for all Nigerians.

Speaking on behalf of the Forum, the chairman said: “The recurrence of grid collapses disrupts lives and businesses, creating far-reaching economic and social consequences. As Commissioners of Power and Energy from across Nigeria, we are united in addressing this challenge with pragmatic and state-driven solutions.”

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The chairman highlighted some of the key outcomes and recommendations from the Forum’s recent meeting to include, state electricity markets and enhancing grid stability.

On the state electricity markets, the statement said “states are intensifying efforts to establish and operationalise state electricity markets as a critical step toward decentralising the power sector. This approach allows states to enhance generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure tailored to their unique needs.”

On enhancing grid stability, the commissioners advocated for the development of grid systems within their territories to complement the national grid.

“This approach enhances localized reliability and reduces the cascading effects of a grid collapse. While pursuing decentralization, states are advocating for collaborative measures with the Federal Government to stabilize the national grid. This includes investments in modern grid technology, predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring systems.”

The statement added that state governments have stepped in with immediate interventions such as deploying alternative power solutions for critical infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and water facilities.

The commissioners reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that no community remains entirely in the dark during such crises.

In its call to action, the forum urged all stakeholders, including the federal government, private sector players, and international partners, to align efforts toward achieving a resilient and reliable power sector.

“States remain committed to playing a leading role in this transformation by fostering innovation, ensuring accountability, and prioritizing the welfare of their citizens.

“It is time to embrace a decentralized electricity framework where states have the autonomy and resources to manage their power needs effectively. Together, we can overcome the current challenges and build a more reliable and equitable power sector for Nigeria,” the chairman concluded.