The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has confirmed that the national grid experienced a system-wide disturbance, which resulted in a total outage across the interconnected network at approximately 12:40 hours on Friday, 23 January, 2026.
NISO, in a statement said preliminary operational reports indicate that the disturbance was associated with the simultaneous tripping of multiple 330kV transmission lines, alongside the disconnection of some grid-connected generating units.
These events according to the System Operator, collectively contributed to the system collapse at the time indicated.
It said following the outage, system restoration activities commenced at about 13:15 hours, in accordance with established grid restoration and recovery procedures.
Noting that as of the time of this update, electricity supply has been successfully restored to Abuja, Osogbo, Benin, Onitsha, Sakete, Jebba, Kainji, Shiroro, and parts of Lagos, while restoration efforts are continuing progressively in other parts of the country.
“A detailed investigation into the root and contributory causes of the disturbance is currently ongoing.
“The full restoration and stabilization of the grid remains a top operational priority,” NISO said.
TheFact Daily reports that the collapse, which was the first witnessed in 2026, was the third recorded under the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO).
Data obtained from the National Control Centre (NCC) in Oshogbo, shows that the grid collapsed to zero at about 2:38pm on Friday.
The incident was first reported by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) who were earlier (8:36am) given load allocation of 639MW but later went down to zero load allocation.
Announcing the development in a Public Notice to its numerous customers, AEDC said: “Dear Valued Customer, we regret to inform you that a system disturbance occurred on the national grid at 12:40pm today causing power outage across our franchise area.
“While gradual restoration of power supply has commenced, please be assured that we are working closely with relevant stakeholders to fully restore electricity as soon as the grid is stabilized.“Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work to serve you better.”
Also, the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), in a Public Notice to its Customers said: “Dear valued customer, Kindly be informed that there was a reported system collapse at 12:40 hours, which has resulted in a loss of power supply across our network.
“We are currently working with our TCN partners as we hope for the speedy restoration of the grid. We will keep you updated as soon as the power restoration resumes. Kindly bear with us.”
