The House of Representatives has urged the Federal government to initiate an urgent investigation into the recurring collapse of the national power grid.
The call for an investigation arose from a motion titled “Need to investigate the recent frequent collapse of the national grid,” presented by Mr. Billy Osawuru, representing Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency, Edo State.
Osawuru commended the government’s proposed plan to increase power generation capacity to 20,000 megawatts (MW) within three years, as outlined in the recently enacted Electricity Act 2023.
However, Osawuru highlighted the recurring grid collapses, citing three instances in a single week of August 2023 and two collapses within six hours on August 19th, 2023.
He emphasized the negative economic impact of these collapses, including reduced industrial output, increased manufacturing expenses, and ultimately, higher product prices for consumers, further burdened by subsidy removal.
Osawuru further argued that businesses are forced to invest in alternative power sources, leading to higher operational costs and ultimately impacting the affordability of goods and services for consumers.
The lawmaker also maintained that if the frequent national grid collapses are thoroughly investigated and solutions proffered, the economy would be better off and citizens’ welfare enhanced.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House mandated the Committee on Power to liaise with critical stakeholders in the power sector “to urgently investigate and proffer solutions to the embarrassing development and report back within four weeks for further legislative action”.
