Blackout Across Nigeria: Confusion Surrounds Latest National Grid Collapse

Uncertainty looms over the cause of the latest national grid collapse that plunged Nigeria into darkness on Wednesday, marking the 12th such incident in 2024. While power generation companies (GenCos) attribute the collapse to halted gas supplies resulting from over ₦2 trillion in legacy debts, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) denies involvement.

In a statement to newsmen, NMDPRA refuted claims that it directed gas suppliers to cut off supply to GenCos due to unpaid obligations. The agency clarified that its recent engagements with stakeholders in Lagos and Abuja focused on sensitizing participants on the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, particularly on wholesale supply licenses. It emphasized that no directive to suspend gas supply was issued and urged the public to disregard such reports.

Despite these reassurances, the Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Power Generation Companies, Dr. Joy Ogaji, confirmed that gas suppliers had indeed stopped supply to GenCos. She cited formal notifications from gas producers about the suspension, which directly impacted power generation as 70% of Nigeria’s electricity comes from gas-fired power plants. Dr. Ogaji linked the suspension to the massive debt burden, which has now exceeded ₦2.7 trillion.

The power outage, which occurred around 1:36 p.m., caused widespread disruption, including in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Jos Electricity Distribution Company confirmed the grid collapse, while the Transmission Company of Nigeria, responsible for managing the grid, has yet to comment on the incident.

By Wednesday night, reports indicated that bulk electricity supply had been partially restored to parts of Abuja. NMDPRA assured the public of its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted gas and petroleum product distribution as the festive season approaches.