TRANSMISSION CONSTRAINTS ON THE NIGERIAN NATIONAL GRID: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE BOTTLE-NECKS AND THE POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS

The Nigerian national grid (NNG) is plagued by significant transmission constraints, resulting in inefficient electricity delivery across the country. Inadequate transmission and distribution facilities are primary contributors to Nigeria's epileptic power situation, affecting the manufacturing, service, and residential sectors, and ultimately hindering economic growth. The paper utilizes review-based methodology to bring to lime light the transmission constraints and the potential solutions in the highly beleaguered NNG. The transmission infrastructure in Nigeria is characterized by inefficiencies, substantial power losses, and unreliable supply. Outdated metering systems exacerbate the problem, while inadequate investment in transmission and distribution systems' infrastructure has worsened the situation. Despite recent power sector reforms, over half of the population remains without access to electricity. To overcome these challenges, Nigeria must adopt a smart grid model incorporating renewable energy sources to enhance efficiency and reliability. Alternative fuel sources, such as regasification, should be explored to address chronic fuel supply issues. Distributed generation systems, including community mini-grids and off-grid systems, can extend electricity access to remote rural communities. Increased investment in transmission infrastructure, combined with these measures, can alleviate transmission constraints on the Nigerian national grid, ultimately improving electricity access and reliability.