Power generation on the national grid drops from 3,840MW to 477MW in six hours

Electricity generation on Nigeria's grid fell from about 3,840MW at 7am to 476.7MW by 1pm on Monday, according to figures on the Nigerian Independent System Operator's portal.

The drop began around 12:40pm, with most power plants recording zero output. Egbin, Jebba, Shiroro and Kainji were among the stations that showed no generation, while Odukpani NIPP, Omotosho and Sapele kept supplying limited power. Consumers reported interruptions on social media between about 12:45pm and 1:20pm.

A senior NISO official, who asked not to be named, told the Trumpet that there was no nationwide grid failure. The official said any outage was probably a local problem and that a technical team had been sent to check the system.

Separately, the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors said NISO and NNPC have given different explanations for the weeks of power shortages. ANED chief Sunday Oduntan said NISO had pointed to low water levels and inadequate gas supply, while NNPC said its gas network had no constraints. He called on the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, to bring the operators together, and apologised to customers.

Tegbe told TVC News that the full effect of the sector reforms would be felt in three to five years and asked Nigerians to be patient.