Nigeria’s national electricity grid has recovered after a dramatic collapse that saw power generation plunge to just 39 megawatts, leaving large parts of the country in darkness.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria confirmed that the grid disturbance occurred due to a system failure that disrupted generation and distribution nationwide. Engineers worked to gradually restore supply, bringing generation levels back up over several hours.
A drop to 39 megawatts is considered near total system failure, as Nigeria’s grid typically operates in the range of several thousand megawatts. Such a low output means only critical facilities with dedicated supply may retain electricity.
Power outages were reported across major cities, affecting homes, hospitals, businesses, and traffic systems. Many residents turned to generators as an alternative power source, adding to fuel costs and noise pollution.
Energy experts say repeated grid collapses highlight persistent weaknesses in Nigeria’s power infrastructure. Ageing transmission lines, limited redundancy, and generation constraints make the system vulnerable to disturbances.
The Ministry of Power said investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the collapse and prevent future occurrences. Officials stressed the need for continued investment in grid modernization and expansion.
Businesses expressed frustration over the disruption, noting that unreliable power increases operating costs and discourages investment. Manufacturers in particular say frequent outages damage equipment and reduce productivity.
Consumer advocacy groups have called for greater transparency in reporting grid incidents and clearer timelines for long term reforms. They argue that citizens deserve consistent updates on efforts to stabilize the power sector.
Despite the setback, authorities say the swift restoration demonstrates improved response capacity compared to previous years. However, analysts warn that without structural upgrades, grid instability could remain a recurring problem.
The latest incident adds urgency to ongoing discussions about diversifying energy sources, strengthening transmission infrastructure, and decentralizing power generation to reduce pressure on the national grid.
