The Licensed Electrical Contractors of Nigeria (LECAN) have pointed to the widespread use of unqualified personnel and unethical practices as a major cause of the recurring collapse of Nigeria’s national power grid. The accusation came during the group’s national general meeting held on Wednesday in Yola, the capital of Adamawa State, where members gathered to address the ongoing power crisis plaguing the country.
LECAN, a body representing certified electrical contractors, condemned the persistent blackouts, particularly in regions like Borno State, attributing them to substandard electrical installations and the employment of untrained workers, often referred to as “quacks.” The group argued that these practices have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s unstable electricity supply, marked by frequent grid failures and low power generation.
Speaking at the event, LECAN President Dr. J.J. Etim highlighted the dire consequences of neglecting regulations in the electrical sector. “Just a week ago, a large storey building here in Yola was gutted by fire. That was a direct result of using poor-quality materials and possibly engaging quacks for the installation,” Etim stated. He emphasized that such incidents, along with the national grid’s instability, are preventable if proper standards are upheld.
The national grid, managed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), has collapsed multiple times in recent years, with 2024 alone recording over ten incidents. These failures have left millions of Nigerians without power for hours or even days, disrupting businesses, households, and essential services. The most recent collapse, reported in December 2024, saw electricity generation drop from over 3,000 megawatts to zero within hours, underscoring the fragility of the system.
LECAN’s leadership also criticized the influx of substandard electrical materials into the country’s markets. “Our markets are flooded with undersized wires, cables, and other electrical items that fail to meet basic safety and performance standards,” said Bamari, a senior member of the association. He urged federal and state governments to crack down on unlicensed practitioners and halt the patronage of unqualified workers to safeguard the power infrastructure.
The contractors’ concerns echo broader frustrations within Nigeria’s power sector, where aging infrastructure, vandalism, and inadequate investment have long been cited as reasons for the grid’s unreliability. Despite having an installed capacity of 12,500 megawatts, the country struggles to generate even a third of that amount consistently, forcing many citizens and businesses to rely on costly diesel-powered generators.
In response to the crisis, experts and stakeholders have called for stricter enforcement of industry regulations and greater investment in training certified professionals. LECAN has also advocated for collaboration between government agencies and licensed contractors to overhaul the electrical system and restore public confidence in the grid.
As Nigeria grapples with its energy challenges, the spotlight remains on addressing the root causes of these frequent disruptions. For now, the message from LECAN is clear: tackling quackery and enforcing quality standards are critical steps toward a more stable and reliable power supply for the nation.
