The Democratic Front (TDF) has hailed efforts by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to stem the tide of the collapse of the national grid.
In a statement signed by its Chairman Mallam Danjuma Muhammad and Secretary, Chief Wale Adedayo, the group described the new transmission sub-stations being installed across the country as a step in the right direction.
TDF said: “Rising from an executive session on the prevailing challenges of frequent collapse of the national grid, we heartily acknowledge the spirited effort by the President Bola Tinubu administration to install 132/33 KV transmission sub-stations across Nigeria.
“This we learnt is in a bid to put a permanent end to the frequent collapse of the national grid, which has denied Nigerians the benefits of the increase in power generation since the commencement of the government’s economic reforms.
“It is pertinent to recall that President Tinubu had in the last year taken bold steps and decisive measures that have increased Nigeria’s power generation output to the current level of 5,528 MW.
But we are aware that this feat has been challenged by the frequent collapse of the national grid, due to obsolete transmission equipment and equipment that are too weak to carry increased power generation as a result of the President’s interventions in the sector.
“It must be appreciated that, unlike some past administrations in Nigeria, the Tinubu administration has shown more committed interest in resolving the herculean problems that have bedevilled the power sector.
We can easily recall the approval granted in mid-December 2024 for the release of N262.75 billion (€161.33 million) to upgrade and construct several electricity transmission substations under the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), otherwise known as the Siemens Project which was initiated by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“It is even more heartwarming to note that the locations for the first phase of the sub-stations under the Siemens Project, sited in Onitsha, Offa, Sokoto, Ayede, and Abeokuta are technically designed to boost transmission lines in the country.
“We are also glad to express our happiness and satisfaction over the pace at which the substation construction projects are being implemented by the government.
“The commissioning of the new substation in Isolo, Lagos State some few days ago by the Minister of Power, is a further attestation to Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to improving the power sector supply and transforming economic productivity in the country.
TDF also tasked the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), with the need to give the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) all the necessary support it requires to succeed.