The National Economic Council (NEC) has taken significant steps to address Nigeria’s persistent power grid collapses by establishing a 13-member committee focused on implementing transformative electrification reforms. This initiative, spearheaded by Vice President Kashim Shettima, seeks to ensure a stable and resilient electricity supply across the country. The decision comes in response to recurring blackouts that have hindered economic growth and impacted millions of Nigerians .
A key aspect of the committee’s mandate involves decentralizing the national grid to reduce dependence on a single central system. The proposed measures include promoting renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, as well as creating regional mini-grids tailored to meet specific regional energy demands. These steps align with the Nigeria Energy Sector Implementation Plan (NESIP), which emphasizes diversification and modernization in the energy sector .
Infrastructure upgrades are central to the committee’s recommendations. This includes replacing outdated equipment, deploying Internet of Things (IoT) devices for real-time monitoring of grid operations, and investing in advanced grid management technologies. These efforts aim to mitigate the technical vulnerabilities that have contributed to frequent grid failures .
The NEC also stressed the importance of attracting private sector investment to achieve sustainable reforms. A robust framework to secure private partnerships is seen as critical for financing infrastructure upgrades and expanding Nigeria’s energy capacity. Furthermore, the committee plans to implement measures to combat energy theft and vandalism, which have historically undermined the sector’s stability .
Vice President Shettima highlighted the urgent need for these reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s energy infrastructure and improve the quality of life for citizens. He urged all stakeholders to prioritize these initiatives, noting that a resilient and decentralized electricity system would bolster economic activities and reduce the country’s vulnerability to power outages .
The formation of this committee marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s power sector reforms. If successfully implemented, these recommendations could transform the country’s energy landscape, fostering economic stability and providing reliable power for homes, businesses, and industries .
