The Forum of Commissioners of Power and Energy in Nigeria has called for a decentralized electricity framework, stressing its importance in addressing the country’s recurrent national grid collapses. This comes after Nigeria experienced its 12th grid collapse in 2024, causing widespread disruptions.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, the Forum, chaired by Cross River State Commissioner for Power and Energy, Prince Eka Williams, described the collapses as a significant threat to the nation’s economy and quality of life.
“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,” Williams said.
The Commissioners emphasized the need for states to have autonomy in generating and distributing electricity to reduce reliance on the fragile national grid. They revealed that states are intensifying efforts to establish their own electricity markets, focusing on infrastructure tailored to their unique energy needs.
The Forum highlighted ongoing state interventions, such as deploying alternative power solutions to critical infrastructure like hospitals, schools, and water facilities during outages. They also called for alignment between federal and state efforts to achieve a resilient and equitable power sector.
The Commissioners argued that empowering states with the autonomy and resources to manage their electricity needs is crucial for ending the recurring disruptions. “Together, we can overcome the current challenges and build a more reliable and equitable power sector for Nigeria,” Williams concluded.
