By Abubakar Yunusa
The national grid has collapsed for the eleventh time in 2024, leading to a nationwide blackout.
Data obtained from the Nigerian system operator’s portal showed that the grid recorded zero megawatts (MW) as of 2pm on Wednesday.
Confirming the collapse on its X page, Abuja Electric Distribution Company (AEDC) said the system failure at the grid happened at 1:33pm.
“We wish to inform you that a system disturbance occurred on the national grid at 1:32pm today causing power outage across our franchise areas,” AEDC said.
“While gradual restoration of power supply has commenced, be assured that we are coordinating closely with relevant stakeholders to restore power fully as soon as the grid is stabilized.”
Also, Friday Adakole, head, corporate communications, Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC), on Facebook, said the current outage affected all feeders.
“The current outage being experienced within our franchise States is a result of loss of power supply from the national grid,” Adakole said.
“The loss of power supply from the national grid occurred this afternoon at about 1333 hours of today, Wednesday, 11th December 2024, hence the loss of power supply on all our feeders.
“We hope to restore normal power supply to our esteemed customers as soon as the grid supply is restored back to normalcy.”
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) had yet to confirm the incident at the time of the report.
On February 4, Nigerians experienced the first national grid collapse.
The national grid collapsed again on March 28, April 15, July 6, and August 5.
Another blackout was recorded on October 14, October 15 and October 19.
On November 6, another grid collapse was recorded and 72 hours later, the grid collapsed again.
Adebayo Adelabu, minister of power, had on October 17, said the frequent system failure at the national grid is inevitable due to the outdated infrastructure.
The minister also said the country will continue to experience grid disturbances until there is a complete overhaul of the system.
Adelabu said more investment in power infrastructure will prevent future collapses.
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