Experts have called on regulatory bodies and stakeholders to take urgent reforms to help address Nigeria’s persistent electricity crisis, warning that continued instability in the national grid is hurting businesses, jobs and economic growth.
The appeal follows repeated grid collapses in recent months, including two incidents within four days that left many parts of the country without electricity. Industry stakeholders say the recurring outages highlight deeper structural problems in the power sector.
They noted that Nigeria has experienced several grid failures over the years despite decades of electricity generation.
According to them, ageing transmission infrastructure, inadequate reserve capacity, gas supply shortages and acts of vandalism continue to weaken the national grid.
The experts also expressed concern that many manufacturers now depend on private generators because of unreliable electricity supply.
They said businesses spend huge amounts on diesel and petrol to keep operations running, increasing production costs and reducing competitiveness.
They added that unstable electricity has contributed to job losses and significant economic losses, as many factories struggle to maintain production.
The stakeholders urged the Federal Government to focus on strengthening existing institutions instead of creating new agencies.
They called for prompt payment to gas suppliers, improved accountability among electricity distribution companies, and greater operational independence for the Nigerian Independent System Operator.
They also recommended increased investment in transmission infrastructure and reserve power capacity to improve grid stability.
In addition, they stressed the need to encourage industries to reconnect to the national grid through practical incentives.
The experts pointed to countries such as South Africa and Egypt, which have improved their electricity systems through sustained investment, stronger regulation and transparent reforms.
They maintained that consistent implementation of power sector reforms, improved infrastructure and effective oversight remain essential to providing reliable electricity and supporting Nigeria’s economic development
