By John Alechenu
Abuja: The Forum of Commissioners of Power and Energy in Nigeria has expressed deep concern over the frequent collapses of the national electricity grid. Yesterday’s incident, the forum noted, underscores the pressing need for sustainable and decentralized solutions to ensure uninterrupted power supply for Nigerians.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the forum’s Chairman, Prince Eka Williams, said, “The recurrence of grid collapses disrupts lives and businesses, creating far-reaching economic and social consequences.
As Commissioners of Power and Energy from across Nigeria, we are united in addressing this challenge with pragmatic and state-driven solutions.”
Following its recent meeting, the forum outlined several strategies aimed at tackling the persistent power crisis:
State Electricity Markets: States are accelerating efforts to establish and operationalize state electricity markets to decentralize the power sector.
This approach aims to enhance generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure tailored to the unique needs of each state.
Localized Grid Systems: The forum advocated for the development of grid systems within state territories to complement the national grid.
Such systems would boost localized reliability and mitigate the cascading effects of national grid collapses.
Collaborative Federal-State Efforts: The Commissioners stressed the need for states to work with the Federal Government on stabilizing the national grid.
They called for joint investments in modern grid technologies, predictive maintenance, and real-time monitoring systems.
Alternative Power Solutions: State governments have intervened by deploying alternative power solutions for critical infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and water facilities, to minimize the impact of grid failures.
The forum reiterated its appeal to all stakeholders, including the Federal Government, private sector players, and international partners, to align efforts toward creating a resilient and reliable power sector.
Prince Eka Williams emphasized, “It is time to embrace a decentralized electricity framework where states have the autonomy and resources to manage their power needs effectively. Together, we can overcome the current challenges and build a more reliable and equitable power sector for Nigeria.”
The Commissioners reaffirmed their commitment to fostering innovation, ensuring accountability, and prioritizing the welfare of citizens, with the ultimate goal of eliminating prolonged power outages and driving economic growth across the country.
RC: VANGUARD
