Power
Nigeria approves new eastern-western grid to curb collapses
The Federal Government has approved plans to construct a new Eastern-Western electricity grid alongside a nationwide technical audit.
Key points
- Punch reported that the Federal Government approved plans to build a new Eastern-Western electricity grid.
- Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe stated that procurement is underway and benefits will be seen in two to three years.
- A nationwide technical audit is currently identifying specific infrastructure faults to prioritise interventions.
What happened
The Federal Government has approved the construction of a new Eastern-Western electricity grid to address recurring power grid collapses across Nigeria. According to Punch Newspapers, the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, announced the initiative at the HBSAN energy conference in Lagos.
Tegbe stated that the government is preparing procurement processes for the transmission projects. He indicated that the public should expect to see the results of these investments within two to three years.
Why it matters
The power sector faces severe infrastructure deficits, with some transmission towers and lines dating back several decades to the era of the Electricity Company of Nigeria. Tegbe noted that the government has initiated a comprehensive technical audit across the country to pinpoint exact faults—such as issues with towers, conductors, or relays—before directing capital expenditures.
According to World Bank data from 2024, Nigeria's electricity use per person stands at 140.6 kWh, compared to a global average of 3708.5 kWh, while electricity access is at 62.5 per cent. Addressing structural vulnerabilities in transmission remains a critical step for improving reliability in high-demand corridors like Lagos and Abuja.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Grids decide whether generation becomes power that homes and businesses can rely on. Generation mix, transmission and distribution losses, and tariffs together shape reliability and the case for investment.
62.5% of people in Nigeria had electricity in 2024Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
