Power Sector Gains: Grid Collapse Incidents Drop Significantly Under Adelabu, Aide Claims Amid Ongoing Challenges"

 

The rate of national grid collapses has reduced under the leadership of Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, according to a statement from his aide.

The claim comes as the power sector continues to grapple with intermittent outages, gas supply constraints, and recent public frustration over unstable electricity supply, even as the minister recently apologised to Nigerians and promised improvements within weeks.

Sources close to the ministry point to data showing fewer full-scale grid disturbances in 2025 compared to the high frequency recorded in 2024, when the national grid reportedly collapsed around 9–12 times. In 2025, official briefings to the Senate and public statements highlighted only isolated incidents (such as one major disturbance in September linked to vandalism and gas supply disruptions in the Niger Delta), with the grid described as remaining largely stable despite funding delays.38a401

The aide attributed the improvement to deliberate interventions, including additions to transmission capacity (such as the reported 700MW boost in early 2025), progress under the Presidential Power Initiative (often linked to the Siemens partnership), installation of capacitors and other stabilisation equipment, and broader reforms aimed at strengthening the grid infrastructure inherited by the current administration.

"Investments in grid reinforcement have helped curb the incessant collapses that plagued previous years," the minister himself has stated in related briefings, emphasising that Phase 1 of ongoing reforms is designed to make major grid disturbances a thing of the past. Similar assertions were made in 2025, noting periods of up to four months without a full national collapse and an all-time peak generation of over 5,800MW.57165c

However, the power sector has not been without setbacks. Early 2026 has seen renewed complaints of blackouts, with at least a couple of grid disturbances reported in January and references to ongoing fragility. Recent outages have been linked primarily to gas shortages (exacerbated by external factors like regional crises), pipeline vandalism, and aging transmission infrastructure. In response, Adelabu tendered a public apology earlier this week, acknowledging the hardship caused to homes, businesses, schools, and industries amid scorching weather. He assured citizens that a dedicated committee, alongside commitments from gas suppliers and pipeline repairs, should deliver noticeable improvements in supply within two weeks, with a target of achieving 6,000MW generation before the end of the year.1026a2

The ministry has also highlighted other positives under Adelabu’s watch, including attraction of over $2 billion in new capital for grid expansion and off-grid projects, a 70% rise in sector revenue (from N1 trillion in 2023 to N1.7 trillion in 2024), and reduced government subsidy burdens. Installed generation capacity has grown modestly, though actual available power has fluctuated, with critics noting dips in early 2026.

Stakeholders remain divided: supporters point to measurable stabilisation efforts and long-term plans to eliminate frequent collapses through infrastructure upgrades and the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO). Critics argue that persistent outages and occasional disturbances show that fundamental issues — weak transmission, gas-to-power challenges, and underinvestment — are yet to be fully resolved.

The aide’s assertion of a reduced collapse rate underscores the ministry’s narrative of incremental progress amid a difficult operating environment. As Nigerians continue to demand reliable electricity, the coming weeks will test whether short-term fixes translate into sustained stability.

The Power Ministry has reiterated its commitment to working 24/7 on generation, transmission, and distribution enhancements while calling for patience and collective support from citizens and industry players.