The incident was the second grid disturbance recorded this year. NISO explained that the outage was triggered by a voltage disturbance that originated at the Gombe transmission substation, disrupting power generation and transmission across parts of the network.

In a statement, the operator said the disturbance quickly spread to other facilities, including the Jebba, Kainji and Ayede transmission substations, leading to the tripping of several transmission lines and generating units.

“The national grid has been fully restored, and electricity supply across the affected areas has since returned to normal,” NISO said.

The agency noted that the disruption did not amount to a total grid collapse, contrary to reports in some sections of the media. It stressed that only parts of the grid were affected.

NISO added that the corrective measures were implemented immediately to stabilise the system, with restoration commencing at about  11:01 and concluding shortly afterwards.

Further details on the incident, the operator said, are available on its official website.

According to reports from the Independent System Operator (ISO), the grid’s generation capacity plummeted sharply from 2,917.83 MW to just 1.5 MW between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m.

The widespread failure knocked power supply to near-zero across nearly all distribution company zones nationwide, with Ibadan DisCo being the only exception, managing about 20 MW.

The grid collapse has become a recurring nightmare. This marks the third collapse in 2025 alone, reigniting concerns over the reliability and resilience of Nigeria’s power infrastructure.

Restoration Efforts Underway

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) confirmed that restoration efforts began shortly after collapse. By 3:00 p.m., partial power was restored to parts of Abuja, Dawaki, and Zone 7 Dutse, among others.

Furthermore, as of late afternoon, about 495 MW had been returned to several distribution zones:

• Abuja: 150 MW
• Benin: 40 MW
• Eko (Lagos): 80 MW
• Enugu: 40 MW
• Ibadan: 50 MW
• Ikeja: 80 MW
• Kano: 35 MW
• Kaduna: 25 MW

Despite these efforts, full grid normalization remains elusive, as numerous states, including Port Harcourt, Jos, and Yola, continued to experience complete outages as of press time.

Stakeholder Responses

Electricity distribution companies issued urgent notices to residents, acknowledging the widespread outage and promising updates.

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) blamed the blackout on a loss of supply from the national grid and affirmed collaboration with relevant agencies to restore power promptly.

Energy analysts warn that unless lasting structural improvements are made, the frequency of these grid failures will continue to undermine economic stability and public confidence.

Nigerians, especially businesses, hospitals, and educational institutions, were left to rely heavily on costly alternative power sources such as diesel generators, solar setups, or inverters during the outage.

Summary Table

What This Means

This latest blackout is not isolated. It underscores deep-rooted vulnerabilities within Nigeria’s power sector, primarily due to aging infrastructure, inadequate investment into generation and transmission, and technical constraints in handling sudden system disturbances.

In the Short Term:

• Households and businesses incur higher costs due to reliance on generators.
• Economic activity slows, especially in sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and education.

In the Long Term:

• The grid’s instability raises questions about the effectiveness of recent reforms and privatization efforts.
• Calls for grid diversification, maintenance overhaul, and decentralised energy systems are becoming louder and more urgent.

In this country, we are bathed in 2,555 kWh/m² per year of solar radiation, but still bargain over fuelwood in 2025. The paradox of power supply is so absurd. 

As of 2023, Nigeria’s solar energy capacity finally crept to 112 megawatts, a 2,700% growth from 2014. A giant one for renewables? Perhaps. But with 39% of Nigerians still without access to electricity, and 67.8% still burning wood to cook dinner, it feels more like a brisk shuffle forward.

Recently, the government announced a ₦10 billion solar budget for Aso Rock alone, the reason being that the annual electricity bill for the presidential villa has reached ₦47 billion, which officials say is unsustainable, bringing forth the need to diversify energy sources, cut governance costs, and reduce reliance on the national grid.

At least some people will have light to admire their own progress, but the rest of us must lean heavily on private sector innovation.

So, let’s help ourselves, individuals, SMEs and corporate companies. Let’s talk about two solar energy companies operating in Nigeria, comparing Lumos and Daystar Power.

Different philosophies, different strategies, but one mission, to drag Nigeria, kicking and screaming, into the age of clean, reliable energy.

Background of the Brands

Lumos

Lumos entered the Nigerian market with a simple pitch: affordable, pay-as-you-go solar systems, targeted mainly at households and micro-businesses.  

The company formed a partnership with MTN, leveraging mobile payments to deploy this solar system model. Its signature product? A “yellow box” solar kit — simple, affordable, and effective.

Daystar Power

On the other hand, Daystar took one look at the retail market and politely passed. Instead, it targeted the corporate sector, including banks, telecom towers and manufacturing plants. 

Its solutions, usually a combination of solar and hybrid energy systems, are designed for heavy lifting, backed by long-term contracts and serious engineering muscle. Shell Investments and other backers recognised Daystar’s potential early, pumping millions into its expansion.

Business Model Comparison

Lumos is the street hustler of solar. The company’s model is pay-as-you-go, highly consumer-friendly, and deeply integrated with mobile money. The focus is to scale fast and keep it simple.

Daystar, meanwhile, plays the long game. It operates a business-to-business (B2B) model, offering energy-as-a-service. Clients don’t buy solar panels; they sign up for long-term savings and reliable electricity without the headache of ownership.

Product/Service Offering

Lumos offers solar home systems designed to power small electronics like TVs, laptops, fans, lights, even clippers. Think of it as solar energy with training wheels. Lumos’ user experience is seamless. Sign up, pay a token via your phone, and bask in light.

Daystar provides industrial-scale solutions such as massive solar plants, hybrid systems combining solar, diesel, and battery storage. Remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and optimised energy management are standard. While Lumos gives you a torch, Daystar is building the entire lighthouse.

Target Audience

Lumos focuses on low to middle-income households, small businesses, and rural communities usually abandoned by Nigeria’s national grid.

Daystar courts the big fish—banks, telecom operators, agricultural firms, and manufacturing plants—organisations where a power outage can cost millions.

Pricing and Affordability

Lumos is like a friendly loan shark — small initial payments, spread out through affordable mobile instalments. It’s electricity on a budget.

Daystar is a capital commitment. Upfront investments can be steep, but businesses are rewarded with energy savings over time. If Lumos is a sprint, Daystar is a marathon.

Market Presence and Reach

Lumos, powered by its MTN partnership, has spread across several Nigerian states, mostly focusing on areas with poor electricity access. Expansion beyond Nigeria remains tentative.

Daystar, on the other hand, has expanded across West Africa, with operations in Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire, among others. With backing from Shell and other investors, its goals are decidedly continental.

Performance and Reliability

Lumos customers praise the ease of use and reliability, though many note that the systems struggle with heavy appliances. The company’s customer service and multi-year warranties are strong selling points.

Daystar boasts of uptime guarantees north of 99%, great engineering credentials, and a corporate client list that speaks for itself. It’s the solar solution you buy when failure isn’t an option.

Both brands have received industry recognition, but Daystar’s accolades usually include global awards for innovation and sustainability.

Challenges

Lumos faces a natural ceiling: its systems simply can’t power larger household devices like fridges or air conditioners without upgrades.

Daystar struggles with the high entry cost. Many SMEs would love a Daystar system but can’t afford the upfront costs or complex contracts.

Impact on Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Drive

Lumos has calmly led a grassroots solar uprising. In making solar accessible to rural homes and small shops, it has introduced millions to renewable energy.

Daystar is killing diesel—slowly but surely. Every bank branch or telecom mast that switches to Daystar shaves a little off Nigeria’s diesel dependency and reduces emissions.

In 2023 alone, Nigeria generated 50 gigawatt-hours of electricity from solar, maintaining growth. Renewables now contribute 20.5% of total power generation, thanks, in no small part, to companies like Lumos and Daystar.

In Nigeria’s solar sector, Lumos and Daystar are not competitors, they are allies on different fronts.

• Lumos is the democrat, bringing power to the people.
• Daystar is the strategist, rewiring industry from the ground up.
• For families and small shops in dusty towns, Lumos is the light at the end of the tunnel.
• For banks, factories, and corporate giants, Daystar is the trusted path out of darkness.

Simple Comparison Table:

Even with decades of “endeavours,” our power sector always presents the same results: frequent blackouts, high costs of electricity, and an overwhelming reliance on petrol and diesel generators.

Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy serving a population of over 200 million, has an installed generation capacity of 13,000MW, but actual power output does not go beyond 4,000MW—far below the estimated demand of 30,000MW. 

Businesses lose billions annually due to unreliable power, while households are unable to keep the lights on.

Hence, we wonder if Nigeria should continue banking on fixing its dysfunctional national grid, or if it’s time to take up a decentralised alternative—mini-grids? 

While the national grid collapses under systemic failures, mini-grids have been seen as a feasible solution, particularly in off-grid communities. 

But can they scale fast enough to bridge the energy deficit? Or would hybrid just be the best solution?

Let’s discuss! 

The National Grid: Can it be Fixed?

Nigeria’s national grid, managed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and serviced by private electricity distribution companies (DisCos), is unreliable till today. 

The country has experienced repeated grid failures over the years, with 2024 recording 12 collapses, implying systemic weaknesses.

As of February 23, 2025, two major grid failures have already been reported this year. The first occurred on February 12, 2025, at 11:34 a.m., resulting in nationwide blackouts. 

Several electricity distribution companies, including Ikeja Electric and Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, confirmed the outage and worked to restore supply. 

However, the TCN denied that this was a full grid collapse, instead attributing the incident to a transmission line trip at the Omotosho-Ikeja West 330kV line.

While consumers are left in prolonged outages, official explanations downplay the severity of the problem, leaving millions inconvenienced.

Why Does the National Grid Keep Failing?

• Ageing Infrastructure: Much of Nigeria’s transmission network is outdated and prone to breakdowns.
• Transmission Bottlenecks: Even when power is generated, it usually cannot be efficiently transmitted due to network limitations.
• Revenue Shortfalls: DisCos find it hard to recover costs due to electricity theft, billing inefficiencies, and non-cost-reflective tariffs.
• Regulatory & Political Barriers: Government policies usually interfere with market-driven electricity pricing and investment.
• Heavy Reliance on Fossil Fuels: The national grid is highly dependent on gas-fired power plants, leaving it vulnerable to fuel supply disruptions.

Nonetheless, the government is working to overcome these challenges and expand and modernise the grid. The Siemens-backed Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) aims to boost generation and distribution capacity. 

However, results have been slow, and many Nigerians are sceptical about whether the grid can ever meet the country’s energy requirements.

Mini-Grids: A Decentralised Alternative

So mini-grids—independent, small-scale electricity systems—might just be the solution to the national grid’s weaknesses.  These decentralised power solutions, often powered by renewable energy sources like solar and hydro, have been particularly effective in rural communities where the national grid is either absent or unreliable.

Advantages of Mini-Grids

• Reliability: Mini-grids operate independently, meaning they are not affected by national grid failures.
• Scalability & Faster Deployment: Unlike large power plants, mini-grids can be deployed quickly, often in under a year.
• Sustainability: Many mini-grids rely on solar and hydropower, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
• Lower Transmission Losses: Since they generate power close to consumers, mini-grids avoid the high transmission losses associated with the national grid.

Challenges of Mini-Grids

• High Initial Costs: Mini-grid projects require high upfront investment, making them difficult to scale without subsidies.
• Regulatory Uncertainty: Nigerian energy policies are focused on grid expansion, creating hindrances for mini-grid investors.
• Limited Capacity for Industrial Use: While great for households and small businesses, mini-grids may be unable to support large industries, unless strategically allocated.

With strategic planning and allocation, mini-grids can be designed to support specific industrial activities. For example, integrating productive uses of electricity, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors, can enhance the economic viability and sustainability of mini-grids.

Several successful mini-grid projects in Nigeria, such as Rubitec Solar in Lagos and Husk Power Systems in Nasarawa, show that this model can be successful. However, general adoption requires policy changes and financial support.

Comparing the Two Models: National Grid vs. Mini-Grids

What Works Best? The Case for a Hybrid Approach

Given the weaknesses and strengths of both models, Nigeria needs a hybrid approach. While the national grid is essential for industrial power needs, mini-grids can provide reliable electricity for communities and small businesses.

Key Recommendations:

• Grid Modernisation: Invest in smart grids, improved transmission infrastructure, and decentralised generation.
• Mini-Grid Incentives: Provide subsidies and regulatory support to attract investment in mini-grids.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Leverage private sector expertise to develop both grid and off-grid solutions.
• Renewable Energy Integration: Scale up solar, wind, and hydropower generation across both national and mini-grid networks.

Nigeria’s electricity problem demands assertive reforms and innovative solutions. While the national grid is important, its frequent failures ascertain the need for alternative energy models. 

Mini-grids provide a decentralised, renewable, and resilient solution that can complement the national system.

Hence, policymakers need to take up this hybrid vision, or Nigeria’s power sector will continue to operate in the dark.

A BusinessDay report quotes data obtained from the Nigerian System Operator’s portal (niggrid.org), as indicating that the collapse occurred at 1:56 p.m.

“This incident follows a pattern of instability, with the grid suffering about 12 consecutive collapses in 2024,” the report says.

It adds that the cause of the latest failure is yet to be disclosed.

The report, which complies with the Electricity Act 2023, provides an evaluation of operational, commercial, and regulatory performance. 

Growth in Power Generation Capacity and Performance

The average available generation capacity of Nigeria’s 28 grid-connected power plants reached 5,100.90MW in Q3 2024, showing a 16.04% increase (+705.13MW) compared to Q2 2024. 

This growth was largely driven by increased capacities in 19 of the 28 plants. 

Improvements were observed at Afam, which recorded a 182% increase, Omotosho with 92%, and Olorunsogo at 84%. These developments contributed to an average hourly generation of 4,280.24MWh/h, a 6.51% improvement from Q2, translating to a total quarterly generation of 9,450.76GWh, up by 7.68%.

The generation mix also saw hydropower contributing 32.60% of the total energy generated, an increase from 26.98% in Q2. 

Seasonal river flows helped in boosting the performance of hydropower plants such as Shiroro (+50.02%), Kainji (+21.86%), and Jebba (+38.56%). Despite this, thermal plants faced challenges, with a 1.69% drop in their cumulative average hourly generation due to constraints like gas supply issues and mechanical faults. Plants like Egbin and Geregu recorded declines of -26.32% and -35.42%, respectively.

Advances in Metering and Revenue Collection

An achievement was recorded in metering, with 184,507 meters installed during Q3, representing a 256.01% increase from Q2’s 51,826 installations. 

This surge elevated the net end-user metering rate from 45.43% to 46.15%. The installations were primarily carried out under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) framework, accounting for 96.86% of the total. 

NERC has mandated Distribution Companies (DisCos) to leverage all available frameworks to close metering gaps, ensuring consumer protection against overbilling through energy caps for unmetered customers.

Revenue collection also saw improvements. DisCos collected ₦466.69 billion out of the ₦626.02 billion billed, an 8.24% increase compared to Q2. 

However, the collection efficiency dropped slightly to 74.55%, down from 79.31% in Q2. Aggregate Technical, Commercial, and Collection (ATC&C) losses rose to 39.10%, representing a 4.40-percentage-point increase from Q2. 

This included technical and commercial losses at 18.32% and collection losses at 25.45%. No DisCo met its ATC&C target as stipulated in the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO), with Kaduna DisCo recording the worst underperformance (actual ATC&C at 70.84% against a target of 25.00%).

Grid Stability and System Losses

Grid performance remained a mixed bag in Q3. The Transmission Loss Factor (TLF) increased to 9.04%, exceeding the MYTO target of 7.00%. 

This showed that for every 100MWh of energy sent out, 9.04MWh were lost in transmission, marking a decline from the 7.79% recorded in Q2. One incident of partial grid collapse was reported during the quarter, occurring on 6th July 2024. This highlights the need for improved system coordination and infrastructure to prevent disruptions.

Frequency stability showed improvement, with the average quarterly frequency range narrowing to 1.19Hz from 1.51Hz in Q2. The grid operated closer to the standard 50Hz benchmark, thanks to enhanced monitoring systems. However, the absence of a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system continues to hinder real-time grid management.

Consumer Affairs and Safety

Consumer engagement remained a priority, with NERC hosting two town hall meetings in Gombe and Calabar to address issues like service-based tariffs, metering, and customer redress mechanisms. 

A total of 328,696 complaints were received across DisCo Customer Complaint Units (CCUs), a 14.35% increase from Q2. Common issues included metering, billing, and service interruptions. Forum Offices resolved 58.90% of active appeals, an improvement from the 54.90% resolution rate in Q2.

Safety remains an issue, with 56 accidents reported in Q3, resulting in 29 fatalities and 28 injuries. While fatalities decreased compared to Q2, injuries saw an increase. Investigations into these incidents are ongoing, and NERC is collaborating with stakeholders to enhance health and safety protocols.

Regulatory Achievements in Power Generation

In Q3, NERC issued 50 new orders and 50 licences, permits, and certifications. These include six off-grid generation licences with a combined capacity of 30.06MW, one on-grid licence renewal, and seven certifications for Meter Service Providers. 

The Commission also conducted five hearings to address stakeholder disputes and issued compliance directives to defaulting operators.

The Q3 2024 report stresses the duality of progress and challenges in Nigeria’s electricity sector. While advancements in generation capacity, metering, and revenue collection signify progress, issues like high ATC&C losses, grid instability, and safety reveal areas needing urgent attention. 

The goal is to address the grid’s fragility and improve power supply across the country.

Speaking after a high-level meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, which included German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, Adelabu highlighted progress under the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI). 

According to the Minister, the pilot phase of the initiative has been commendable, including the importation, installation, and commissioning of 10 power transformers and 10 mobile substations, with only two yet to be fully operational.

“The progress we have made under this pilot phase has already increased our grid’s transmission capacity by 750MW, contributing to the relative stability we are now witnessing,” Adelabu stated. 

He further assured that the ongoing work would enhance the grid’s capacity by an additional 150MW upon the completion of the pilot phase.

The national grid, which frequently collapses largely due to aging infrastructure, is a huge challenge for Nigeria’s power sector. 

Adelabu acknowledged these issues, describing the grid as “fragile and dilapidated,” stating that the government is working towards overhauling the system.

“When Phase One of the transmission upgrade is complete, the grid will be transformed. However, we must recognise that this is a long-term project requiring sustained effort and investment,” he noted.

This year alone, the grid has reportedly collapsed 12 times, leaving regions of the country in total blackout. In one recent incident, the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (Jos Disco) confirmed a collapse that occurred midweek, attributing it to the longstanding limitations in maintenance and capacity.

Nigeria’s power sector challenges extend beyond grid collapses, with the inability to meet growing energy demands worsening the situation. These failures have consequences, disrupting industries, businesses, and households. 

Many Nigerians have resorted to alternative power sources such as generators, which are not just costly but also environmentally damaging.

While the government has rolled out initiatives to modernise the grid and increase generation capacity, progress has been slow. The PPI, launched as a collaboration between Nigeria and Siemens under the previous administration, aims to address some of these systemic issues by delivering modern equipment and infrastructure.

Revealing the fragility of the nation’s power infrastructure, the latest incident, which occurred at 2:09 pm on Wednesday, disrupted power supply across several states.

Electricity distribution companies (DisCos) confirmed the collapse as Jos Disco’s Head of Corporate Communications, Friday Elijah, acknowledged the grid failure, stating that the outage began around 1:33 pm and affected all feeders under its network.

Similarly, EKEDC described the incident as a “system disturbance” and assured customers of ongoing efforts to restore power.

Many Nigerians took to social media complaining that the frequent disruptions are negatively affecting their daily lives and businesses, with some users stating that power had been unavailable for days even before the latest collapse.

The incident is another chapter in what has been a rough year for Nigeria’s power sector. The national grid has collapsed multiple times in 2024, with disruptions occurring in February, March, April, July, August, October, and November. 

October had three grid collapses within a single week, showing how much the system has become fragile.

Experts have revealed several underlying issues, including ageing infrastructure, inadequate investments, and poor management. 

Adding to these, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) recently directed gas producers to halt supplies to power generation companies (GenCos) with outstanding debts. 

This decision has further limited electricity generation, as some GenCos reportedly owe over ₦2 trillion in legacy debts to gas producers.

Government and Stakeholder Silence

As of the time of this report, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the Ministry of Power are yet to release official statements addressing the collapse. Efforts to restore power are reportedly underway, with assurances from stakeholders of a resolution in due course.

For many businesses and households, the situation has forced them to rely heavily on alternative sources of power, such as generators, which come at a high financial and environmental cost.

The list, released today, shows the subjects that overwhelmed the Nigerian digital space, across various societal, cultural, and economic descriptions.

Top News Searches

At the top of Nigeria’s search trends was the US elections, as the nation had strong interest in global politics. Close behind was the search for the new national anthem, a topic that brought about across-the-board discussion following its official reinstatement in May. 

The national grid was also a trending subject due to repeated power outages and systemic failures that disrupted daily life.

Searches for the minimum wage, linked to the government’s announcement of a ₦70,000 baseline, and the Ibadan explosion, which caused some casualties and property damage, further stressed Nigerians’ engagement with pressing domestic issues.

Personalities That Captivated Nigerians
In the personalities category, controversial internet figure Bobrisky topped the list, as the public is continuously fascinated with celebrity culture. 

Political figures like Betta Edu, alongside entertainment personalities like Shallipopi, Khaid, and Bukunmi Oluwashina, showcased a diverse range of interests spanning politics, music, and film.

Globally, figures such as Donald Trump, Kai Cenat, and Kamala Harris drew attention, with Trump’s electoral victory being a particular point of curiosity. In sports, names like Nico Williams and Leny Yoro were among the most searched, highlighting Nigeria’s relentless passion for football.

Questions and Curiosities
Nigerians turned to Google for answers to everyday questions, with “How much is the dollar to the naira today?” leading the way. Other popular queries included “How to get perfectly defined curls for African hair?” and “Why are ice baths good for muscle recovery?” 

The meanings of terms like “demure,” “steeze,” and “pet peeves” also featured tops, emphasizing a desire for clarity in communication and understanding.

Entertainment and Culinary Trends
The Nigerian entertainment scene thrived in 2024, with “I Don’t Care” by Boy Spyce, “Ozeba” by Rema, and “Commas” by Ayra Starr leading the music charts. Lyrics searches for songs like “Ogechi” and “Omemma” by Chandler Moore showed how deeply Nigerians connected with music as a cultural outlet.

In film, movies such as “A Tribe Called Judah”, “Treasure in the Sky”, and “Damsel” were the most searched, alongside TV series like “Supacell” and “Queen of Tears.” Foodies explored recipes for everything from Pornstar Martini to traditional favourites like Chinchin and Frejon, reflecting a mix of adventurous and nostalgic tastes.

Devices That Dominated Searches
As for tech, the most searched devices in Nigeria this year included the iPhone 16, a major release that generated considerable buzz, followed by the Infinix Note 40 and the Redmi 13C and 14C, disclosing the growing interest in affordable yet powerful smartphones. The Infinix Hot 40 also made waves as one of the most popular devices searched by Nigerians.

Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google West Africa’s Communications and Public Affairs Manager, noted: “The Year in Search offers a lens into the questions, interests, and conversations that shaped Nigeria in 2024. From political milestones to cultural trends, this year’s searches reflect a nation navigating change and seeking to make sense of its evolving landscape.”

The grid collapse occurred early Saturday morning, with many states reporting total blackouts. This latest failure comes on the heels of two other collapses earlier in the week, further straining the already fragile power system.

Data obtained from the Nigerian System Operator’s portal (niggrid.org), revealed that the grid recorded an unprecedented zero Megawatts (MW) as of 8:16 am today.

Data gleaned showed that all 22 generation companies (GenCos) are down as of the time of this report.

This collapse marks the eighth grid disturbance in 2024, adding to challenges that have long plagued Nigeria’s power sector.

Despite the extensive effects of the blackout, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) had yet to confirm the incident as at the time of this report, leaving the public and key stakeholders without information on the cause or resolution of the latest crisis.

On February 4, Nigeria experienced its first blackout of 2024 when the national grid collapsed at approximately 11:51 AM. The TCN-managed grid saw its capacity plummet from 2,407 megawatts to just 31MW by noon, and it completely shut down by 1 PM.

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu during the week said grid collapses are almost inevitable in Nigeria given the deplorable state of the country’s power infrastructure.

According to him, having multiple power grids in each region and state would ensure stability.

He noted that the decentralisation of the power sector would help the plan to build grids in each region, saying this was made possible by the Electricity Act signed by President Bola Tinubu in 2023.

“This Electricity Act has decentralised power. It has enabled all the subnational governments, the state government and the local government, to be able to participate in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. We all rely on a single national grid today; if there is a disturbance of the national grid, it affects all 36 states. It shouldn’t be like that. This will enable us to start moving gradually towards having regional groups and possibly having state grids.