Nigeria’s struggle with persistent electricity instability resurfaced on Monday as power supply from the national grid plunged by 81.5 per cent within one hour, dropping from 3,647 megawatts (MW) at noon to just 675MW by 1pm, triggering fresh concerns over the country’s recurring grid failures and unreliable electricity supply.

Data from the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) showed that electricity generation suffered a dramatic decline as the number of power plants supplying the grid reduced significantly. 

Although 21 plants were initially contributing to the grid before the incident, several generating stations, including Azura, Egbin, Jebba and Kainji hydroelectric power plants, went offline during the disruption. 

The sudden loss of 2,972MW highlighted the vulnerability of Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure, where sudden disruptions continue to affect millions of consumers and businesses.

The incident forced electricity distribution companies, including Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and Ikeja Electric, to notify customers of reduced supply across their networks. 

AEDC attributed the interruption to a grid-related challenge affecting electricity transmission, explaining that the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) was working to restore stability. The company added that electricity supply was gradually returning to its feeders and apologised to customers for the inconvenience. 

Ikeja Electric also blamed the situation on a shortfall in the electricity allocated to its network, assuring customers that it was engaging relevant stakeholders to improve available supply.

The latest disruption followed relatively stronger generation earlier in the day, when the grid supplied 4,331MW at 1am and peaked at 4,458MW by 6am before falling to 3,647MW at noon. 

Although supply recovered to 2,150MW by 5pm, the figure remained significantly below the morning peak. The sharp fluctuations once again exposed the challenges facing Nigeria’s electricity sector, where unstable generation and transmission disruptions continue to undermine dependable power supply to homes, offices and industrial facilities.

However, NISO announced that the national grid had been stabilised following multiple trippings on the 330-kilovolt transmission network at approximately 12:40pm on October 19, 2026. The operator said it immediately implemented corrective measures in collaboration with TCN, adding that restoration efforts had been completed and normal operations resumed. 

It also clarified that the incident affected only a section of the grid, contrary to unverified reports suggesting a wider disruption. 

Despite the restoration, the latest incident has renewed concerns about Nigeria’s recurring electricity crises and the urgent need for lasting solutions to prevent repeated disruptions that continue to frustrate consumers and weaken economic productivity.