Nigeria's Power Minister Confirms Electricity Shortages

Electricity shortages have returned to parts of Lagos, Abuja, Ogun, Oyo, and Kwara, affecting households and businesses as Nigeria's generating stations struggle with inadequate gas supplies and declining hydroelectric output. On November 5, Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe acknowledged these disruptions, which followed recent improvements in supply.

He attributed the deterioration to reduced gas availability, maintenance problems, and lower water inflows into hydroelectric reservoirs. The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) confirmed that these constraints have reduced generation and forced distribution companies to ration electricity.

At 4.41 p.m. on November 5, the grid allocated a combined 2,926 megawatts to Nigeria's 11 electricity distribution companies, with Abuja Electricity Distribution Company receiving 633MW. The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority reported that power plants consumed an average of 518 million standard cubic feet of gas daily in September 2026, down 4% from August.

NISO also noted lower water inflows into hydroelectric reservoirs, limiting output from generating stations.