National Grid Collapses Again: 10th Time in One Year

By Joshua Omoniyi

Despite billions of naira spent on financing the electricity sector, Nigeria continues to face blackouts as the national grid has collapsed 10 times this year alone, plunging the entire country into darkness.M

any Nigerians don't fully grasp the concept of the national grid collapsing, but its impact is significant. The national grid is a network of high-voltage power lines connecting major power stations, supplying electricity to millions of Nigerians for cooking, entertainment, and lighting homes and businesses.

Nigeria's power stations use coal or hydroelectricity to generate electricity, but the inconsistency of power supplying companies like the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has turned electricity supply into a celebration. Whenever power is restored, people shout "Up NEPA!" with joy, as kids rush home to enjoy the brief moments of electricity.

However, this joy is short-lived, and only those with electricity meters are spared the exorbitant monthly bills. Even then, they face social injustice, with electricity supply often available only at midnight.

During his campaign, the current president promised constant electricity, securing loans to improve the energy sector. Initially, electricity supply increased, but the grid's capacity couldn't handle the consistency, leading to multiple collapses and total darkness.

Nigerians have lost hope in the government's efforts and have become self-sufficient, relying on generators despite high petrol costs. Others use solar systems and gas-powered generators, which are cheaper.

As Nigeria struggles with constant blackouts, communities without electricity face additional challenges. It's imperative for the country to come together and brainstorm solutions for clean, reliable energy and address these pressing problems.