National Grid Collapse Again, Leaving Nigerians in Darkness
Generation plunges from 2,917 MW to near zero within one hour
September 11, 2025 — Lagos, Nigeria
Electricity supply across Nigeria collapsed on Wednesday after the national power grid suffered another major failure, plunging much of the country into darkness.
According to data from the Independent System Operator (ISO), power generation fell sharply from 2,917.83 megawatts at 11:00 a.m. to a mere 1.5 megawatts by 12:00 noon.
The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) confirmed a “complete loss of supply from the national grid” at about 11:23 a.m., cutting off power to customers across its coverage areas. Grid controllers began restoration around 11:45 a.m., first channeling power from the Shiroro hydropower station to the Abuja axis, but most distribution companies reported zero load for hours, with only Ibadan Disco briefly recording about 20 megawatts.
This marks at least the third grid collapse in 2025, underscoring the fragility of Nigeria’s centralized electricity network. Energy analysts and civic groups have renewed calls for urgent investment, decentralization of the grid, and stronger maintenance regimes to halt the recurring blackouts that disrupt homes, businesses, and national productivity.
