FG unveils new plan to strengthen national grid, curb power outages

The Federal Government has announced plans to invest in the rehabilitation and modernisation of Nigeria’s electricity transmission network as part of efforts to improve grid stability and reduce recurring system failures.

The proposed intervention will target critical transmission infrastructure, expand grid redundancy and upgrade monitoring and control systems to minimise the frequency of grid collapses and voltage fluctuations.

Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, disclosed the initiative over the weekend, saying the government was shifting from temporary solutions to a long-term strategy aimed at strengthening the country’s power transmission network.

According to him, a stable national grid remains essential to achieving meaningful progress in electricity generation and distribution.

“We cannot talk about increased power generation or distribution reforms if the transmission grid remains weak. Our goal is to build a reliable and resilient grid through a structured and measurable programme,” the minister said.

To drive the initiative, Tegbe said the ministry has established a Technical Working Committee on Grid Stabilisation comprising engineering and regulatory experts tasked with tackling transmission bottlenecks, ageing infrastructure and the persistent grid failures that have affected electricity supply nationwide.

The committee will collaborate with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) to identify priority projects and implement targeted interventions across the transmission network.

The government said the investment will focus on strengthening key transmission corridors, improving backup capacity within the grid and deploying modern technologies to enhance system monitoring and operational efficiency.

Tegbe acknowledged public concerns over previous promises to improve electricity supply, stressing that the Tinubu administration intends to be assessed based on tangible results rather than assurances.

“We understand that Nigerians have heard similar promises in the past. Our commitment is to deliver measurable progress, and we are prepared to be held accountable for every milestone,” he said.

The ministry added that it would provide regular updates on the implementation of the grid stabilisation programme as part of efforts to keep citizens, investors and other stakeholders informed about developments in the power sector.