Reps Lament Frequent Power Grid Collapse, Orders Probe

By Miracle Ogunde

The House of Representatives has lamented the frequent power grid collapse experienced in the country, describing the situation as “embarrassing”.

The house, therefore, calls for an urgent probe on the incidents, stressing that if the frequent national grid collapses are thoroughly investigated and solutions proffered, the economy would be better off and citizens’ welfare enhanced.

This was sequel to the adoption of a motion titled “Need to investigate the recent frequent collapse of the national grid moved by the member representing Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency, Edo State, Mr Billy Osawuru.

Leading the debate on the floor of the House on Wednesday, Osawuru commended the Federal Government for the proposed plan to increase power capacity to 20,000 megawatts from the 12,522 MW projected within the next three years as contained in the Electricity Act, 2023 signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.

He, added that in a space of one week in August 2023, Nigeria recorded three national grid collapses.

“The national grid collapsed twice within 6hrs and on the 19 August 2023, another system collapse was recorded.

Osawuru further argued that the frequent grid collapses in 2024 have negatively impacted the economy, “Reducing industrial output and raising manufacturing expenses.”

Firms operating in the country “are forced to invest in alternate power sources, thus, raising operational costs and leaving end users with exorbitant prices, which citizens cannot afford, especially with subsidy removal effects,” he added.

“The nation is currently facing multiple challenges of insecurity, and it is believed by security experts that grip collapse helps criminals to perpetrate their activities under the cover of darkness.”

Following the adoption of the motion, the House mandated the Committee on Power to liaise with critical stakeholders in the power sector “To urgently investigate and proffer solutions to the embarrassing development and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.”