The Federal Government has attributed worsening electricity supply in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Kwara and the Federal Capital Territory to gas shortages, reduced hydropower output and operational problems within Nigeria’s electricity sector.
Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe acknowledged the disruptions in a statement issued on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
The minister explained that several affected areas had experienced improvements in electricity supply before the latest setbacks.
According to him, the disruptions were linked to constraints affecting power generation and transmission operations rather than a major nationwide grid failure.
Gas Shortages Affect Electricity Generation
The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) identified inadequate gas supply to thermal power plants and reduced water inflows into hydropower reservoirs as significant constraints on electricity generation.
Electricity allocation data showed that the country’s 11 distribution companies received a combined 2,926 megawatts as of 4:41 p.m. on Thursday.
Abuja Electricity Distribution Company received the highest allocation at 633 megawatts, followed by Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company with 391 megawatts.
Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company received 320 megawatts, while Eko and Ikeja distribution companies were allocated 256 and 249 megawatts, respectively.
The figures represent electricity allocated to distribution companies at the time of reporting and do not necessarily reflect the power eventually supplied to individual customers.
Tegbe said the government was working with the Transmission Company of Nigeria, NISO and distribution companies to resolve the constraints.
For background on these agencies’ responsibilities, see the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s guide to institutional roles under the Electricity Act 2023.
FG Clears 44 Containers of Power Equipment
The minister also announced that the Federal Government had facilitated the release of 44 containers of electricity equipment previously held at Apapa ports in Lagos.
He said the action followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive to relevant agencies to address long-standing administrative and financial issues preventing the release of power infrastructure materials.
More than 300 containers of electricity equipment had reportedly remained stranded at the ports, with some dating back to 2014.
Technical experts are expected to inspect the recovered materials before determining which items can be deployed to electricity projects.
The government said efforts were ongoing to restore more reliable electricity supply.
However, no definite restoration date has been announced for all affected areas.
The disruption continues to place pressure on households, businesses and public institutions that depend on electricity for daily operations.
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