Power cuts deepen in Lagos and Abuja as grid generation falls to 3,659 MW

Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Power acknowledged on November 5 that electricity supply has worsened in recent days in Lagos, Abuja, Ogun, Kwara and Oyo states, with national grid generation falling to 3,659 megawatts as of 3 p.m. on Thursday, down from a peak of 3,996 MW recorded on Wednesday. Power Minister Joseph Tegbe apologised and promised to restore normal supply quickly.

Gas constraints and falling reservoir levels

According to data from the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), the drop was driven mainly by severe gas feedstock constraints at thermal power stations, coupled with reduced output from hydroelectric plants as seasonal water inflows into reservoirs fell. Maintenance and operational challenges in parts of the power value chain also played a part. The ministry stressed that preliminary assessments show the disruption was not caused by a major collapse or systemic failure of the national grid.

DisCos share 3,031 MW

As of 5:39 p.m. on Thursday, the 11 electricity distribution companies received a combined allocation of 3,031 MW, with Abuja Disco highest at 669 MW, followed by Ibadan Disco with 413 MW and Port Harcourt Disco with 338 MW. Tegbe has directed the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), NISO and the distribution companies to speed up emergency maintenance and clear logistical bottlenecks holding back gas delivery to thermal plants.

The ministry said the affected areas had recently seen noticeable improvements in supply before the latest disruptions, which have left households, businesses and public institutions grappling with reduced power, and promised to keep the public informed of progress.