Nigeria restores power after national grid collapse

Electricity supply has been restored nationwide after Nigeria’s power grid suffered another system disturbance on Monday, causing a partial collapse, the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) said.

The disruption occurred at 2:01 p.m. on December 29 and affected electricity supply in several parts of the country.

Power generation, which peaked at about 4,800 megawatts earlier in the day, dropped sharply to 139 megawatts by 3 p.m., according to grid data.

In a statement issued Monday night, NISO said the disturbance triggered the tripping of several power generation units and critical 330-kilovolt transmission lines.

“The National Grid experienced a system disturbance at 14:01 hours on Monday, 29 December 2025, which led to a partial collapse,” the operator said. “Preliminary reports indicate the tripping of multiple generating units and 330kV transmission lines, resulting in widespread impact on electricity supply.”

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The incident occurred amid ongoing gas supply constraints following the vandalisation of the Escravos–Lagos gas pipeline earlier this month, which has reduced fuel supply to several thermal power plants.

NISO said the gas shortages had further weakened the grid.

“This has further led to the fragility and weakness of the national grid,” the statement said.

Despite the collapse, the Delta power generation complex isolated itself from the national grid and continued operations in island mode, supplying electricity to parts of Delta and Edo states.

“A total generation of 114 megawatts was delivered from four units at the Delta Thermal Power Station,” NISO said, adding that power was maintained to Oghara, Amukpe, Benin and Efunrun substations.

The system operator said emergency response measures were immediately activated at the National Control Centre in Osogbo.

“In line with established operational procedures, NISO promptly initiated system response measures using its dispatch and monitoring tools,” it said.

Power supply has since been fully restored across the country, according to the operator.

“Supply has been fully restored to all parts of the country and system stability normalised,” NISO said.

The agency said investigations were ongoing to determine the cause of the disturbance and prevent future occurrences.

“Appropriate measures shall be put in place to forestall future recurrence of such major system incidents,” it added.

Nigeria’s power grid has suffered repeated collapses in recent years, often linked to gas shortages, ageing transmission infrastructure and operational constraints.

NISO, which recently assumed responsibility for system operations following sector reforms, said it remained committed to improving grid reliability.

“NISO reassures Nigerians of its continued commitment to proactive grid management and the application of best operational practices,” the statement said.

Oluwatosin Ogunjuyigbe is a writer and journalist who covers business, finance, technology, and the changing forces shaping Nigeria’s economy. He focuses on turning complex ideas into clear, compelling stories.

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