National Grid Collapses, Plunging Nigeria Into First Nationwide Blackout Of 2024

National Grid Collapses, Plunging Nigeria Into First Nationwide Blackout Of 2024

In an unprecedented event for the year 2024, the national grid of Nigeria collapsed, triggering a nationwide blackout at 11:21 am on Sunday….READ MORE

All 20 power plants, except Ibom Power with 31 megawatts, shut down as a result of this unexpected system failure.

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) confirmed the widespread power outage, attributing it to the national grid’s system failure. While urging patience among its customers, the AEDC assured the public that it is actively working with relevant stakeholders to restore power as soon as the grid stabilizes.

Amidst the blackout, Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, emphasized that Nigeria still pays the lowest electricity tariff compared to neighboring West African countries such as Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Niger. Adelabu, during a nationwide inspection visit to federal government power installations, discussed the need to reconsider the actual cost of power in Nigeria, emphasizing that the current rates might no longer be sustainable.

Expressing concern over inadequate electricity supply, Adelabu pointed to factors such as outstanding subsidy debts and the under-utilization of National Independent Power Plants (NIPPs) due to consistent gas supply shortages. During his inspection visit to the Olorunsogo Power Generating Plant and the Omotosho Generating Plant, the minister highlighted the need to address these challenges to improve the operational capacity of the power plants and ensure a more reliable power supply for the nation.