Okpebholo Urges National Assembly to Probe Persistent Power Outages, Grid Collapses

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has called for a thorough legislative investigation into Nigeria’s persistent power outages and repeated collapses of the national electricity grid, describing the situation as a major threat to economic growth.

The governor made the call in Benin City during an interface with members of the Federal House of Representatives ad hoc committee on power sector reform and expenditure. He was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, at the meeting.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by Idahosa’s Chief Press Secretary, Friday Aghedo, Okpebholo commended the committee for its oversight efforts and service to the nation. He stressed that le electricity remains critical to Nigeria’s economic development.

“For us to have a robust economy, we must get the power sector right. The persistent grid collapse and power outage must be investigated. If we have le electricity, Nigeria will be one of the best nations on earth,” the governor said.

Earlier, the chairman of the committee, Ibrahim Aliyu, explained that the lawmakers were on a nationwide tour as part of an investigation and audit of power sector reforms carried out between 2007 and 2024. He said the committee had visited several power generation companies, including Azura and the Benin Generating Company, and had also engaged the Benin Electricity Distribution Company in a fact-finding exercise.

Aliyu noted that the frequent grid collapses recorded between 2024 and 2025 raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of power sector privatisation and the roles of key stakeholders. He said the situation called for a forensic investigation into policies, strategies, and investments within the sector over the years.

The call comes amid renewed public concern following another collapse of the national grid on Tuesday, the second within four days and the third in less than one month.