Power supply to improve in 72 hours — Minister

Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe has announced that electricity supply in Nigeria will start improving within 48 to 72 hours as the government tackles generation and transmission issues causing recent power cuts. Tegbe pointed out that planned maintenance at the Egbin Power Station, Lagos' largest thermal power plant, and issues with gas supply to some thermal plants have reduced electricity availability on the national grid.

He also mentioned sabotage of critical transmission lines, which has limited the use of alternative routes for electricity distribution, especially in Lagos.

Tegbe's ministry is coordinating with operators to restore affected power units gradually, boost gas supply, and repair damaged infrastructure. The minister's statement comes amid mounting consumer complaints in Lagos and Ogun states about persistent blackouts, which residents say have exacerbated the intense heat.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and Ikeja Electric, a distribution company, have been at odds over the causes of recent power interruptions. TCN blamed inadequate gas supply and lower hydroelectric generation, disputing Ikeja Electric's claim that grid instability was to blame. TCN stated that Ikeja Electric's explanation was inaccurate, noting that the transmission network only transmits existing energy, not creating it.

According to TCN, 68% of the power cuts were due to frequency-control load shedding from low generation, 26% from Ikeja Electric's non-compliance with load allocations, and 6% from their planned maintenance or line limitations.