FG Approves New Eastern and Western Power Grids to Tackle Frequent Collapses

FG Approves New Eastern and Western Power Grids to Tackle Frequent Collapses

October 15, 2026 | News

By Emeka Henry Obi

The Federal Government has approved plans to develop new Eastern and Western electricity grids as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s persistent national grid collapses and improve the reliability of electricity supply across the country.

The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, disclosed the development at a recent energy conference organised by the HBSAN in Lagos. He explained that the government was preparing to begin the procurement process for the proposed electricity infrastructure projects.

According to the minister, Nigerians could begin to experience the benefits of the new grid infrastructure within the next two to three years, provided the projects progress as planned.

Tegbe also revealed that a nationwide technical audit of Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure was underway. The exercise is designed to identify faults, assess the condition of existing facilities and determine areas requiring urgent repairs and investment.

He explained that the government had divided the country into three energy zones to improve the coordination of interventions and address persistent electricity supply challenges. The minister further noted that resolving problems along the Lagos and Abuja corridors could significantly improve the country's overall power supply situation.

“The President has approved that we commence the process of building out the grid: East and Western grid. We’re going through the procurement process, but it’s something you’ll see the benefits in two to three years,” Tegbe said.

Nationwide Technical Audit to Identify Infrastructure Weaknesses

The minister said the ongoing technical audit would enable the government to identify the specific causes of failures across the electricity transmission network and ensure that available resources are directed towards the right areas.

He emphasised that identifying the precise nature of infrastructure problems was essential to avoiding unnecessary expenditure on equipment that might not be responsible for system failures.

“We have started a technical audit across the entire country to say where do we have issues, and what issues specifically do we have,” he said.

The findings are expected to help the government establish priorities for repairs, maintenance and infrastructure upgrades, while supporting more effective planning for the country's electricity transmission system.

Ageing Infrastructure Remains a Major Challenge

Tegbe identified ageing transmission infrastructure as one of the major challenges confronting Nigeria's electricity sector. He noted that some transmission towers and power lines had been in service for several decades, highlighting the need for comprehensive modernisation.

The minister recalled encountering transmission facilities that still carried the logo of the former Electricity Company of Nigeria, an institution that existed before the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA).

“This government has inherited a problem of 50 years,” Tegbe said, underscoring the long-standing nature of the country's electricity infrastructure challenges.

What the New Power Grids Could Mean for Nigerians

The proposed Eastern and Western grids represent part of the government's broader efforts to strengthen electricity transmission infrastructure and reduce the impact of recurring national grid collapses.

If successfully implemented, the projects could contribute to a more resilient electricity network, improve transmission capacity and reduce disruptions affecting households, businesses and industries.

However, the success of the initiative will depend on effective project implementation, adequate funding, transparent procurement, proper maintenance and sustained investment in the electricity sector.

For millions of Nigerians who continue to experience unreliable electricity supply, the proposed grid expansion offers hope for improvement. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether these plans translate into a more stable and dependable national power system.

By Emeka Henry Obi
Author | Independent Researcher | Journalist

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