Power Generation Crashes, Leaves Many Parts of Nigeria in Blackout

• Abuja, Kaduna, Kano Discos get zero allocation •NISO blames multiple trippings, says electricity supply stabilised Nigeria’s electricity generation plunged from about 3,840 megawatts (MW) in the morning of yesterday to around 476.70MW by 1pm, leaving the national grid with less than 500MW and triggering power outages in many parts of the country. A THISDAY analysis of data from the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) showed that generation, which remained relatively stable in the morning, dropped sharply around 12.40pm, with most power plants recording zero output. The development came amid reports of electricity interruptions across parts of the country, while Distribution Companies (Discos) struggled with reduced power allocations from the grid. A further snapshot of NISO’s distribution load allocation dashboard at 2.37pm showed that supply was gradually returning as the 11 electricity distribution companies were allocated a combined 2,745MW, with four Discos receiving zero allocation. Abuja, Kaduna, Kano and Yola Discos had no allocation at the time, while Ibadan Disco received the highest allocation of 550MW. Benin Disco received 428MW, Ikeja 426MW, Enugu 413MW, Eko 407MW, Port Harcourt 376MW and Jos 145MW. The figures indicated a sharp disparity in the power available to distribution companies, with the four Discos receiving no allocation facing particular challenges in supplying their customers. The plunge in generation represented a drop of more than 3,360MW from the level recorded at 7am, raising fresh concerns about the stability of electricity supply and the capacity of the national grid to sustain generation. Earlier, Ikeja Electric Plc attributed the reduction in electricity supply across its network to a shortfall in the power allocated to it from the national grid. In a public notice dated October 19, the company said the reduced hours of supply resulted from the decline in electricity available to its network. “We wish to inform customers across Ikeja Electric network that the reduced hours of electricity supply is due to a shortfall in the amount of power currently allocated to our network from the national grid,” the company stated. It apologised for the inconvenience and said it was engaging relevant stakeholders to improve the volume of electricity available to its customers. “Please be assured that we are actively engaging the relevant stakeholders to improve the available power supply and will continue to distribute the power received from the grid as efficiently and equitably as possible,” it added. The sharp fall in generation was also reflected in the output of power plants connected to the grid. As of the 1pm reading, only a handful of generating stations, including Odukpani NIPP, Omotosho and Sapele, were contributing small amounts of electricity, while major plants such as Egbin, Jebba, Shiroro and Kainji recorded zero generation. But in a statement last night, the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) stated that at approximately 12:40 hours on Monday, 19 October 2026, the national grid experienced multiple trippings on the 330kV transmission network. “Following the incident, NISO, working with TCN, immediately implemented appropriate corrective measures to stabilise the power system and restore normal operations. Restoration efforts have been successfully completed, and the national grid has returned to normal operation. “NISO wishes to clarify that the incident affected only a section of the grid, contrary to unverified reports and claims currently circulating in the media. The public is therefore advised to disregard misleading information and rely on official NISO communication channels for accurate and verified updates on the status of the national grid,” it stated. NISO said it remains committed to maintaining grid stability, ensuring the reliable operation of the national electricity transmission system, and providing timely and accurate information to the public.