FG Cites Aging Equipment, Poor Maintenance for Grid Failures

The Federal Government has revealed that recurring national grid collapses stem from poor maintenance practices and outdated equipment. Recent blackouts on October 14 and 19, 2024, were specifically triggered by high-voltage surges exceeding equipment capacity.

Nafisatu Asabe Ali, chair of the investigative committee on grid failures, presented the report at the Ministry Headquarters in Abuja. According to the findings, common issues—including aging components and inadequate upkeep—were observed across all stations. For the October incidents, lightning arrestors in the Jebba and Oshogbo stations shattered, and a current transformer explosion occurred at Jebba. These failures are linked to long-standing issues, as much of the equipment, installed in 1968, now suffers from degraded insulation due to prolonged exposure to high voltage, highlighting the critical need for updated infrastructure.

Ali emphasized that the Jebba station, due to its network design and positioning, is especially vulnerable to high voltage, which puts excessive strain on its aging components. Originally equipped with two shunt reactors to stabilize voltage levels, only one remains functional after the other failed, allowing voltages to reach a dangerous 400kV—far above safe thresholds.

“High voltage degrades insulation over time,” she explained. “Prolonged exposure leaves equipment susceptible to sudden failures, as we witnessed.” The investigative committee’s findings underscore the urgent need for investment in both modernizing equipment and establishing a proactive maintenance culture to prevent further collapses.

The latest collapse on Tuesday marked the 10th incident this year, intensifying calls for immediate action. The Federal Government is now evaluating solutions to fortify the grid, focusing on replacing outdated infrastructure and implementing more robust maintenance protocols.