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Abstract

Nigeria's power sector faces persistent challenges, including dynamic instability, poor voltage regulation, and frequent grid collapses, primarily driven by reactive power deficits and transmission distances exceeding 200 km in northern regions. To bridge critical research gaps, this study employs a rigorous, multi-method approach through comprehensive EMTP-RV (Electromagnetic Transients Program) analysis of Nigeria’s 330kV 52-bus grid, PV curve-based vulnerability indexing to identify cascade-critical buses, and a novel Cost-benefit Pareto framework for optimal capacitor placement. Methodology was validated against IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 14-bus benchmarks. Validated against IEEE 14-bus benchmarks, simulations revealed severe voltage instability in northern load buses (Maiduguri (34):0.89±0.03 p.u.; Damaturu (32): 0.92±0.02 p.u.; Jalingo (45): 0.79±0.04 p.u.). Strategic capacitor installation elevated voltages to stable levels (0.95 - 1.05 p.u.) with 93% efficacy relative to IEEE standards. PV curve analysis confirmed these buses operate within 5% of collapse thresholds. Nigerian weak buses exhibited 28% lower voltage margins than IEEE equivalents (*p*=0.03) due to 4× longer transmission corridors. This work delivers three key contributions: validated reactive power management solutions for developing economies, establishment of EMTP-RV as a robust stability diagnostic tool, and actionable recommendations including northern voltage control enhancement, infrastructure reinforcement, and adoption of simulation-driven resilience strategies.

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