Power Outages in Five States Linked to Gas Shortages and Maintenance Issues

The Federal Government has reported that recent power outages in Lagos, Abuja, Ogun, Kwara, and Oyo States are due to a lack of gas supply, reduced hydroelectric generation, and maintenance problems. This announcement was made by the Federal Ministry of Power in a statement released in Abuja on Thursday.

The Ministry acknowledged that these outages have affected homes, businesses, and public institutions, especially in areas that had recently seen improvements in electricity supply. They emphasized the significance of power outages, stating, “We recognise what every hour without power means for individuals, families and businesses, and we do not take it lightly.”

In explaining the reasons behind the disruptions, the Ministry indicated that initial assessments showed the issues were not due to a major failure of the national grid. Instead, they were linked to maintenance and operational challenges, along with a decline in electricity generation caused by gas supply constraints to thermal power stations and lower output from hydroelectric plants due to reduced water levels.

The Ministry assured the public that these challenges are being addressed by the relevant operators. Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe is collaborating with the Transmission Company of Nigeria, the Nigerian Independent System Operator, and Electricity Distribution Companies to expedite restoration efforts.

The Ministry reiterated its commitment to improving electricity supply, stating, “Nigerians deserve better power, and this administration is working to deliver it.” They also thanked consumers for their patience and promised to provide updates as the situation improves.