Reps to probe recurring power grid collapses

The House of Representatives has expressed concern over the incessant collapse of the National Power Grid and its attendant socio-economic consequences on Nigerians.

It therefore mandated its committee on power to conduct investigation into the root causes of incessant national grid collapse in the country in order to forestall future occurrences and protect the country’s already fragile socioeconomic environment.

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This followed the adoption of a motion on matters of urgent public importance presented by Sani Bala (APC, Kano) at the plenary on Tuesday.

Presenting the motion, Bala lamented that since the privatisation of the power sector in 2013, the country has witnessed over 100 national grid collapses; which is a challenge which experts and operators said would linger for a long time if not addressed.

“Only this year, the national grid has collapsed seven times (more than the three times recorded last year), thereby causing national power outages with enormous socio-economic implications.

“The latest in the series of power failures has been adjudged among the worst the country has witnessed in recent times, which in turn indicates that there is no framework or spinning reserve meant to forestall such occurrences.”