Power sector experts have commended the Federal Government’s proposed $2 billion investment in a new East-West Super Grid, describing it as a significant step towards addressing Nigeria’s electricity transmission challenges and improving power supply.
The experts gave the commendation in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.
The Minister of Power, Mr Joseph Tegbe, had announced the investment during a television interview on TVC on Monday, saying the project was part of efforts to strengthen grid stability and meet the country’s growing electricity demand.
Tegbe said the proposed Super Grid would traverse Funtua, Gwagwalada, Ikot-Ekpene, Benin, Epe and Ilorin, with an additional transmission capacity of at least 19,000 megawatts.
The President and Project Director of the Society of Energy Administrators (SEA) of Nigeria, Dr Yekeen Adeboye, described the investment as a welcome development that would strengthen energy security and promote socio-economic growth.
Adeboye said improved electricity transmission would boost productivity and create economic opportunities for small-scale businesses, particularly those operated by young people.
He added that increased employment opportunities arising from improved electricity supply could also help address youth restiveness and insecurity.
Similarly, a former staff member of Eko Power Ltd., Mr Ademola Adegoke, described the investment in the transmission segment of the electricity value chain as commendable.
However, Adegoke stressed that achieving sustainable transformation in the power sector required comprehensive investment across the generation, transmission and distribution segments.
He urged the government to prioritise metering, expand low-tension and high-tension distribution networks, and strengthen regulatory frameworks to ensure compliance with industry standards.
According to him, addressing these critical areas alongside the transmission investment would improve electricity delivery and ensure a more stable power supply across the country.
