FG Explains Power Outages in Lagos, Four Other States

By The Merit Newspaper

Lagos, Nigeria -November 6, 2026
The Federal Government has attributed the recent electricity supply disruptions affecting Lagos, Abuja, Ogun, Kwara and Oyo states to gas shortages at thermal power stations, reduced hydropower generation and maintenance challenges across the electricity sector.

The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, acknowledged the worsening situation, explaining that the affected areas had previously experienced noticeable improvements in electricity supply before the latest disruptions.

In a statement, the minister said preliminary assessments indicated that the situation was not caused by a major or systemic failure of the national grid but by operational and maintenance challenges across parts of the power sector.

According to the minister, inadequate gas supply to thermal power stations and reduced output from hydroelectric plants due to lower water inflows into reservoirs have significantly affected electricity generation.

The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) also identified insufficient gas supply and declining water inflows as major factors responsible for the reduction in electricity available for distribution to consumers.

The development has heightened concerns among households and businesses already struggling with the cost of alternative power sources, including petrol and diesel generators, inverters and solar installations.

Tegbe disclosed that the Federal Government was engaging the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), NISO and electricity distribution companies to address the challenges, accelerate maintenance activities and improve electricity supply.

He also disclosed that 44 containers of power equipment had been cleared from Apapa ports in Lagos as part of efforts to address infrastructure-related challenges in the sector.

However, the ministry did not announce a specific timeline for the restoration of normal electricity supply, leaving consumers waiting for improvements.

The Merit Newspaper reports that the latest development has renewed calls for sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s electricity challenges, particularly improved gas supply, reliable power infrastructure and effective coordination among operators in the electricity value chain.