Frequent National Grid collapses and the shame of a nation

2026-02-09 - 05:38

Years after the privatisation of Nigeria’s power sector, Nigerians are still grappling with unreliable electricity supply, contrary to the expectations that followed the transfer of ownership from government to private operators. The reform, which was widely seen as a solution to decades of inefficiency, has instead coincided with persistent power shortages and frequent national grid collapses. These failures have become a defining symbol of governance challenges and the state’s inability to provide the infrastructure required for economic growth. At the time of privatisation, many Nigerians believed that poor power supply would soon come to an end. Sadly, that hope has not been realised. While several African countries have recorded improvements in power generation and stability, Nigeria’s electricity output has continued to decline. Year in, year out, the nation is confronted with repeated grid collapses, turning what should be a rare emergency into a recurring national experience that further worsens power generation and supply. The scale of the problem is alarming. In 2024 alone, the national grid collapsed about a dozen times. The situation did not improve in 2025, as multiple system failures plunged millions of Nigerians into darkness. More troubling still, in early 2026, the grid has already collapsed at least twice. This pattern of instability reflects deep-seated structural weaknesses within the power sector and underscores the urgent need for decisive intervention. The impact on the economy, particularly the manufacturing sector, has been severe. Electricity is fundamental to industrial production, and without reliable power, businesses cannot function efficiently or competitively. Manufacturers are forced to rely on alternative energy sources such as diesel and petrol generators, significantly increasing production costs and reducing profit margins. For many small and medium-scale enterprises, these costs are unsustainable, leading to reduced output, job losses, or outright closure. Industry groups have consistently raised concerns over the damaging effects of frequent grid collapses. Manufacturers have warned that unstable electricity supply continues to undermine productivity and threaten the survival of local industries. Beyond manufacturing, the consequences extend to healthcare, education and households, where unreliable power disrupts essential services and compels citizens to spend scarce income on self-generated electricity. Several factors have been identified as contributing to the recurring collapses. Ageing transmission infrastructure, poor maintenance, frequent line trips and the inability of distribution companies to absorb generated power all play a role. Liquidity challenges within the sector further limit the capacity of operators to invest in upgrades and maintenance. While these explanations are well known, their continued use without tangible solutions has worn thin. This persistent failure is not merely a technical issue; it is a national embarrassment. For a country that considers itself the giant of Africa, an electricity system that collapses repeatedly is unacceptable. No nation can achieve industrial growth, economic diversification or meaningful development without sufficient and stable power to meet the needs of its people. The time for excuses is over. Government at all levels must rise to the situation with urgency and seriousness. Upgrading transmission infrastructure, strengthening regulation, improving maintenance and embracing decentralised power generation are no longer optional measures. Whatever must be done must be done. Addressing the problem of frequent national grid collapses is a national imperative. Until decisive action is taken, Nigeria’s aspirations for progress and productivity will remain stalled in darkness.