FG Reveals Why Lagos, Abuja And Other Areas Are Experiencing Widespread Power Outages

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Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, disclosed this in a statement shared on Facebook on Friday, explaining that the combined challenges had reduced electricity generation on the national grid and forced operators to ration available power in affected locations.

According to the minister, the first generating units affected by the disruptions were expected to return to operation within 48 to 72 hours, while other units would be restored gradually.

Tegbe explained that scheduled maintenance at Egbin Power Station, alongside insufficient gas supplies to some thermal power plants, had significantly reduced the volume of electricity available for distribution across the country.

He also identified damage to important transmission infrastructure as another factor worsening the situation, noting that the reported sabotage of key transmission lines had restricted the use of alternative routes to supply electricity to certain areas, particularly Lagos.

The minister said the Ministry of Power was working with relevant operators in the electricity sector to improve gas deliveries to generating stations and accelerate repairs to damaged transmission facilities.

He apologised to households and businesses affected by the outages, assuring Nigerians that further updates would be provided as electricity supply gradually improves.

The latest development follows a November 4 directive by Tegbe to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) and electricity distribution companies to address operational challenges responsible for the decline in power generation.

NISO had also attributed the electricity shortfall to inadequate gas supplies to thermal power stations and reduced water inflows into hydroelectric reservoirs.

The prolonged outages have further triggered disagreements between TCN and Ikeja Electric, following a dispute over the cause of the disruptions. TCN reportedly challenged the distribution company’s claim that instability on the national grid was responsible for the power supply problems.

With several locations continuing to experience disruptions, Nigerians are awaiting the restoration of affected generating units and improvements in electricity supply within the timeline announced by the government.