Peter Obi has expressed concern over reports of another national grid collapse, describing it as a recurring issue that has severely affected households and businesses.
Major parts of the nation was on Saturday thrown into darkness as the national grid experienced what many Nigerians described as a collapse, marking the first time in the year.
According to data obtained from the Nigerian System Operator’s portal (niggrid.org), the collapse occurred at 1:56 pm.
This incident follows a pattern of instability, with the grid suffering about 12 consecutive collapses in 2024.
In his statement, Obi criticized the state of Nigeria’s power sector and questioned the allocation of over $3.23 billion borrowed in the last four years to address electricity challenges.
He said, “Instead of making significant progress, our recurrent occurrences of grid collapse have continued to characterize our power sector. One then wonders where all the funds borrowed for the power sector have gone into.”
Obi also urged the government to use the new year as an opportunity for a fresh start, emphasizing that the power sector is critical for the survival of households and small businesses.
However, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has debunked claims of a grid collapse.
In a statement titled “Benin-Omotoso Line Tripping, not System Collapse” signed by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, TCN clarified that the incident on January 11 was due to a line tripping and not a system-wide collapse. The statement read:
“Earlier today, at about 13:41Hrs, the Osogbo – Ihovbor line tripped, followed by the tripping of the Benin – Omotosho line. These consequently affected bulk supply to only Lagos axis alone.
It is important to clarify that at about 13:00 Hrs, today, just before the tripping, total generation on the grid was 4,335.63MW. After the trippings, however, generation was 2,573.23MW, showing clearly that the grid did not experience a collapse.
The transmission line tripping affected Egbin, Olorunsogo, Omotosho, Geregu, and Paras, but these have all been restored except for the Benin Omotosho 330kV line whose restoration is ongoing.”
The TCN urged the public to verify facts before spreading misinformation and reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the nation’s power transmission infrastructure.
As the power sector continues to face challenges, Obi’s call for accountability and improved governance resonates with many Nigerians who are hopeful for a more stable electricity supply in 2025.
