Power
Nigeria plans new transmission grid to tackle collapses
The Federal Government has approved the development of a new Eastern-Western electricity grid to address chronic transmission infrastructure failures.
Key points
- Procurement for the Eastern-Western grid project is set to begin following presidential approval.
- The Minister of Power stated that citizens will experience the benefits within two to three years.
- A nationwide technical audit is underway to identify specific faults across aging grid assets.
What happened
The Federal Government has given approval to construct a new Eastern-Western electricity grid in a bid to resolve recurring collapses within Nigeria's power network. According to Punch, Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe announced the initiative at an energy conference in Lagos. He noted that the administration is preparing procurement processes for the infrastructure expansion.
Mr Tegbe explained that authorities have initiated a comprehensive technical audit of the country's electricity facilities. The assessment aims to pinpoint exact faults—such as damaged towers, insulators, conductors, or relays—to ensure that capital interventions target the correct equipment rather than general repairs.
Why it matters
The minister attributed vulnerabilities in the transmission network to decades-old infrastructure, noting that some active towers and lines date back to the era of the Electricity Company of Nigeria, preceding the National Electric Power Authority.
According to World Bank figures from 2024, electricity use per person in Nigeria stands at 140.6 kilowatt-hours, compared to a global average of 3708.5 kilowatt-hours, while national electricity access is recorded at 62.5 per cent. Upgrading the grid is critical for industrial stability and expanding reliable supply beyond key commercial corridors like Lagos and Abuja.
What comes next
The nationwide technical audit is scheduled to conclude within the coming weeks. Once completed, the Ministry of Power will use the findings to prioritise targeted interventions, while procurement for the new grid buildout moves forward with tangible results expected in two to three years.
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.
