Nigeria’s Power Crisis Deepens: Grid Collapse Raises Concerns Over Reliability and Tariff Hikes

Nigeria’s electricity grid collapsed for the fifth time this year, highlighting the country’s inability to provide reliable power.

The electricity regulator approved an increase in tariffs for the 15% of consumers who use the most power, as the government tries to reduce the $2.6 billion worth of subsidies for the sector.

The head of the Nigerian electricity regulator, Musiliu Oseni, defended the tariff increase, claiming it would end grid collapses and bring investment into the sector.

National supply data showed the supply of power via the grid fell to around 50MW early on Monday from 4,020MW the previous day.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria has not issued a statement on the cause of the latest near-complete halt to the supply of power via the grid.

Gas shortages and vandalism have triggered grid collapses in the past. Nigeria’s electricity sector faces problems such as a failing grid, gas shortages, high debt, and vandalism.