Electricity consumers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed frustration over the repeated collapses of the national grid, calling it a national embarrassment.
The latest collapse on Monday marked the sixth in 2024, plunging the country into darkness once again. Although power was restored to some parts of the country by Tuesday, residents in areas like Kubwa, Lugbe, and Kuje voiced their concerns.
Mrs. Eniola Oluseyi, a Kubwa resident, described the situation as embarrassing and urged the Federal Government to implement a permanent solution to the ongoing grid issues. Many other consumers echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the urgent need for reliable power infrastructure.
Oluseyi said, “Every time we experience a blackout or grid collapse, it is embarrassing for consumers.”
“Government should find a way to put an end to these collapses or blackouts to prevent future occurrences,” she said.
Mr Chibuzor Okoye, a resident of Lugbe, said it was disheartening to hear about grid collapses or system failures repeatedly, adding that it does not reflect well on the country.
Okoye stated that the government should implement the right measures to prevent future occurrences, as this situation is not good for the nation’s reputation.
Mrs Priscilla Akpan, also residing in Lugbe, said that it was detrimental for the grid to collapse so often, leaving Nigerians in darkness.
“This is unacceptable for a country where a significant amount of money is spent on the power sector, yet there is no improvement,” she said.
Another consumer, Mr Usman Aliyu, a resident of Kuje, said that with the substantial sums of money being allocated to the power sector, grid collapses should not be happening.
According to him, a large amount of money is allocated to the power sector, so those responsible for maintaining the grid should identify the cause of the frequent collapses and address it.
The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, in a statement on its Twitter handle, said the grid collapsed on Monday at about 6:58 p.m. It did not, however, provide reasons for the collapse.
“Rest assured, we are working with relevant stakeholders to restore power as soon as the grid stabilises,” the company said.
(NAN)
