On December 11, 2024, Nigeria’s national electricity grid suffered yet another collapse, marking the twelfth such incident in 2024 alone. This latest setback has intensified concerns about the stability and reliability of the country’s power supply, which has long been a source of frustration for Nigerians. However, amidst these challenges, the ongoing partnership between Nigeria and Germany offers a glimmer of hope for improving the nation’s electricity situation.
The Current Crisis
The collapse of the national grid occurred at approximately 2:09 PM on December 11, plunging many parts of the country into darkness. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has not yet disclosed the specific cause of this latest failure. This incident follows a series of similar occurrences throughout the year, which have left citizens questioning the effectiveness of Nigeria’s power infrastructure and its ability to meet growing energy demands.
Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu had just assured the public that significant improvements were on the horizon due to the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), a project implemented in partnership with Siemens. Adelabu noted that as part of this initiative, Nigeria is set to add 150 megawatts (MW) to its national grid before the end of the year, following the successful completion of its pilot phase. This project aims to enhance electricity supply through strategic upgrades to transmission substations and infrastructure.
The Role of German Partnership
The collaboration with Germany has been pivotal in addressing Nigeria’s energy challenges. Since signing agreements during COP28 in December 2023, Nigeria has made substantial progress under this bilateral partnership. The PPI includes plans for importing and installing new power transformers and mobile substations—efforts that have already added around 750 MW to the transmission capacity.
Adelabu emphasised that Germany’s expertise in energy technology aligns well with Nigeria’s abundant natural resources, particularly in renewable energy sectors like solar and wind power. He stated, “Germany has technology; we have the sun and wind,” highlighting the potential for sustainable energy solutions that could alleviate some of Nigeria’s power issues.
Looking Ahead
Despite the recent grid collapse, officials remain optimistic about the future. President Bola Tinubu assured citizens that while immediate improvements may not be “magical,” ongoing reforms and international partnerships are crucial for stabilising the power sector. He acknowledged that Nigeria’s ageing infrastructure requires time and investment to modernise effectively.
The government’s commitment to decentralising power generation further aims to empower states to produce their electricity independently, reducing reliance on a fragile national grid. This strategy is expected to enhance energy access across rural areas, where electricity supply is often erratic or nonexistent.
While the December 11 collapse serves as a stark reminder of Nigeria’s ongoing struggles with its power supply, the partnership with Germany represents a proactive approach to overcoming these challenges. With continued investment in infrastructure and technology through initiatives like the PPI, there is hope for a more stable and reliable electricity supply in Nigeria.
By Joseph Johnston,
Youth Editor,
Egogonews Hub
