The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, emphasized the need for regional and state-specific power grids to prevent frequent grid failures. He made this statement on Wednesday while launching Hexing Livoltek, a new electricity meter manufacturing facility in Lekki, Lagos State.
Adelabu pointed out that grid collapses are almost unavoidable given the current state of Nigeria’s aging power infrastructure. He explained that establishing multiple power grids across regions and states would enhance stability.
He credited the decentralization of the power sector, enabled by the 2023 Electricity Act signed by President Bola Tinubu, for making this approach possible. “This Act decentralizes power, allowing state and local governments to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity. Currently, disruptions in the national grid affect all 36 states, but regional grids would localize any issues, ensuring the entire country isn’t impacted,” Adelabu explained.
Addressing grid failures, he noted that without significant investments, such collapses will persist. “Given the poor state of our infrastructure, grid failures—whether full or partial—are inevitable. Many transformers are decades old, and until we modernize the system, these issues will continue,” he remarked.
Adelabu also pointed out that the country had avoided any major grid failures in the past four months, with the exception of a brief partial collapse two days prior. He called for substantial investments to update Nigeria’s power infrastructure to prevent future disruptions.
While unveiling the new meter factory, Adelabu praised Hexing Livoltek for its investment in Nigeria, highlighting the importance of fostering local content, creating jobs, and reducing the country’s dependence on imports.
Hexing Group’s CEO, Robert Liang, expressed excitement about the company’s expansion into Nigeria, viewing it as a commitment to advancing clean energy in the country. He emphasized Hexing’s leadership in smart energy solutions, solar technology, and digital infrastructure over the past 30 years.
Meanwhile, it was observed that the national grid, which collapsed earlier in the week, had been restored by Wednesday evening.
