President Tinubu Pledges Major Grid Infrastructure Overhaul to End Nationwide Blackouts

President Tinubu addresses electricity crisis at APC Convention, announcing a 1,500MW boost via the new Grid Asset Management Company to stabilize power supply.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 28, 2026, 11:01 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from PUNCH

Presidential Response to National Energy Frustration

In a direct address to the citizens and members of the ruling party, President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged the widespread grievances concerning the nation’s electricity supply. Speaking during the late-night session of the All Progressives Congress 4th Elective National Convention in Abuja, the President affirmed that his administration is fully aware of the "lamentations" regarding prolonged blackouts. He stressed that the energy crisis is not merely a technical failure but a barrier to the country's broader industrial ambitions. By addressing these concerns at a high-profile party gathering, the President signaled that energy stability remains a top priority for his executive agenda as the country moves toward the 2027 election cycle.

The Grid Asset Management Company: A New Strategic Pillar

A central component of the administration’s strategy is the operationalization of the Grid Asset Management Company, which was officially approved by the Federal Executive Council on March 4, 2026. This specialized entity is tasked with overseeing the modernization of the nation’s aging transmission architecture. President Tinubu disclosed that the company is currently working to inject 1,500MW into a newly designated grid corridor. This move is designed to mitigate the frequency of total system collapses, which have plagued the country throughout 2025 and early 2026, leaving millions of households and businesses in darkness for extended periods.

Addressing Legacy Debts and Infrastructure Decay

The President was candid about the "legacy issues" that continue to hinder the power sector's performance. He identified three primary obstacles: outstanding debts to Generation Companies (GenCos) and gas suppliers, antiquated transmission lines, and the overall underfunding of the sector. To combat these, Tinubu promised improved funding mechanisms and a more robust commercial framework to ensure that gas suppliers and power generators are paid promptly. He noted that while his administration has recorded economic gains in other sectors, the lack of reliable power remains a critical bottleneck that must be removed to foster sustainable development.