In response to ongoing national grid collapses, Nigerian states push for independent power generation, promising reliable local electricity solutions.
With persistent national grid collapses leaving much of Nigeria in darkness, several states are moving to establish independent power plants. Since January, the grid has failed 10 times, most recently on Thursday, plunging parts of the nation into widespread outages.
On Friday, the Nigeria National Grid reported 2,306.35MW had been restored, yet the frequent disruptions have propelled states to seek self-sufficiency in electricity generation.
Also read: Shutting down national grid extreme not illegal — Lagos lawyer
Following the passage of the 2023 Electricity Act, which allows states to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity independently, no fewer than 12 states have launched or advanced power generation initiatives. Here’s a breakdown of how various states are responding:
**Lagos Leads with Four Power Hubs**
Lagos is setting up four gas-fired power hubs, each with a capacity of at least 100MW, to address the state’s power needs.
The Lagos State Assembly is deliberating the ‘Lagos State Electricity Bill 2024,’ which, if passed, will allow the state to independently generate, transmit, and distribute electricity.
According to officials, Lagos requires over 6GW, far above the 2GW supplied by the national grid at peak times.
**Ekiti Grants Licences to 14 Power Investors**
Ekiti State has issued licences to 14 independent power investors to boost local electricity production.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji noted that Ekiti’s grid allocation of 20-25MW falls short of its 120MW demand, prompting a move towards an independent grid to meet this requirement.
**Ogun and Osun Explore Local Power Sources**
Ogun is examining potential hydroelectric generation from the Oyan Dam, while Osun is preparing an electricity bill for the state legislature and advancing a mini-hydro project at Ikeji-Ile.
Both states aim to reduce reliance on the national grid and enhance local power resilience.
**Rivers Upgrades Existing Gas Turbines**
With four gas turbines capable of generating 450MW, Rivers State is well-positioned for energy independence.
The state has begun upgrading these turbines with plans to optimise local power use, which was previously limited by federal restrictions on distribution.
**Benue, Kogi, and Gombe Make Power Moves**
Benue has initiated discussions to establish a state power plant, while Kogi passed a bill creating the Kogi State Electricity Company in July 2024.
Gombe signed an MoU with China18th Engineering to develop a 100MW solar plant, enhancing energy security and supporting economic growth.
**Kaduna Invests in Solar Energy**
Kaduna State is advancing solar energy projects with multiple companies, including plans for 50-300MW solar plants across three areas.
Governor Uba Sani emphasised that renewable energy is essential to overcoming regional power shortages and boosting local economic development.
**Zamfara Supports a Unified Northern Power Plant**
Zamfara has deferred independent power generation in favour of a joint plant shared by 19 northern states, a collaborative effort to address the region’s energy needs more efficiently.
This collective push by Nigerian states to generate their own power signifies a crucial shift toward decentralised energy solutions, aiming to reduce reliance on the fragile national grid and support more stable and sustainable electricity for millions of Nigerians.
