Grid Collapse: ECAN Calls for Creation of Second Transmission Network
By NaijaEnquirer Staff
The Electricity Consumers Association of Nigeria (ECAN) in the Southeast has urged the Federal Government to establish a second transmission network to address the recurring collapse of the national grid. The call followed the nationwide blackout on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
Aba Power’s Unique Resilience
ECAN noted that while most of Nigeria was plunged into darkness, the nine local government areas (LGAs) served by Aba Power in Abia State were unaffected. According to ECAN Chairman, Engr. Joe Ubani, and Secretary, Comrade Chris Okpara, this was because the Aba Ring-fenced Area draws power from the 188MW Geometric Power Plant in the Osisioma Industrial Zone, rather than relying solely on the national grid.
Dependence on Fragile Infrastructure
The group explained that unlike the 11 legacy electricity distribution companies (DisCos) in Nigeria, Aba Power only taps the national grid as a backup when its independent supply faces challenges such as natural gas shortages. “This highlights the risks of total dependence on a fragile, poorly maintained, and aging national transmission network,” ECAN stated.
Reviving Abandoned Transmission Project
ECAN recalled that former Minister of Power, Professor Bart Nnaji, founder of Geometric Power, had in 2012 begun building a 756KV alternative grid after securing Federal Executive Council approval. However, the project was abandoned following his resignation over controversies surrounding the privatization of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) assets.
Support for Government’s Efforts
The association praised the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, for considering a revival of the second transmission network project. “Wednesday’s grid collapse underlines the imperative of an alternative grid for energy security and national economic progress,” ECAN stressed.
Recurring National Grid Failures
Wednesday’s incident marked Nigeria’s first nationwide power failure in 2025, though the country recorded 12 grid collapses in 2024. Causes of such failures include natural factors such as falling trees, faults at interconnected power plants, aging infrastructure, and poor maintenance.
