The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has refuted the media report alleging that a “system collapse” occurred at approximately 11:54hrs on Thursday, 19th February 2026, resulting in a total blackout across the South-East region.
Contrary to the claims, NISO clarified in a statement on Sunday that no system collapse occurred on the Nigerian National Grid on the said date and time.
It however, explained at approximately 11:47hrs, a protection trip was recorded on some 330kV transmission lines around the Onitsha Transmission Station.
NISO noted that the tripping of these lines led to a temporary and localized outage affecting certain areas supplied through the impacted transmission corridors, including portions of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) and Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) networks.
Clarifying that the national grid remained stable and fully operational, and generation across other regions was not disrupted.
“System frequency remained within acceptable operational limitsand there was no widespread loss of synchronism or nationwide blackout, conditions that would characterize a system collapse.
Affected transmission lines have since been restored, and supply reinstated to the impacted locations.
“While we acknowledge the inconvenience experienced by electricity consumers within the affected corridors, we urge stakeholders, media organizations, and members of the public to desist from rumors and rely only on verified technical updates from NISO which remains the only authentic source of information on all grid events.
“The Nigerian National Grid remains operational and under continuous technical supervision to ensure reliability, resilience, and system security,” the System Operator said in the statement.
