Ikeja Electric Issues Statement on Nationwide Power Supply Crisis
Ikeja Electric (IKEDC) has released an official statement explaining the reasons behind the current poor power supply being experienced nationwide. The electricity distribution company identified a significant drop in electricity generation as the primary cause, attributing this to limited gas supply to thermal power plants across Nigeria.
Gas Supply Constraints Impact National Grid
In the statement issued on Monday, March 23, 2026, IKEDC detailed that the shortfall in gas supply has severely reduced electricity generation on the national grid. This reduction has led to a lower allocation of power to distribution companies throughout the country, including Ikeja Electric. The company emphasized that this low allocation has directly impacted the volume of electricity available for distribution to customers within its franchise area, resulting in widespread and epileptic power outages.
Ikeja Electric expressed deep regret over the inconvenience caused to its valued customers and urged them to remain patient during this period of constrained supply. The DisCo reassured customers that it remains committed to distributing the available power as efficiently and equitably as possible, despite the challenging circumstances.
Official Statement from Ikeja Electric
The company's statement reads: "Dear Valued Customer, The ongoing reduction in electricity supply is largely due to a nationwide drop in power generation, caused by limited gas supply to thermal power plants. This has significantly reduced the energy available on the national grid and, consequently, the allocation to Ikeja Electric and other distribution companies. As a result, the volume of electricity available for distribution has been impacted. We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused by this development and appreciate your patience and understanding during this period. We remain committed to distributing the available power as efficiently and equitably as possible."
NISO Confirms Generation Drop to 4,300 Megawatts
The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has corroborated Ikeja Electric's explanation, confirming that widespread blackouts are due to insufficient gas supply to thermal power stations. In a statement released via its official X account, the grid operator reported that average available power generation has fallen to approximately 4,300 megawatts. This figure is significantly below Nigeria's installed capacity, highlighting the severity of the current energy crisis.
NISO explained that the shortfall is largely due to fuel constraints affecting gas-fired plants, which supply the bulk of electricity to the national grid. The decline in generation began in early February 2026 after maintenance work on critical gas infrastructure by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Seplat Energy temporarily disrupted gas deliveries to several thermal plants.
Related Infrastructure Project in Lagos
In a related development, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced a planned four-month power interruption in parts of Lagos State. This interruption is part of major rehabilitation work on the Amuwo 132/33kV Gas Insulated Substation (GIS), scheduled to run for 122 days from March 18 to July 30, 2026. The project aims to strengthen electricity infrastructure and improve long-term power supply reliability in the state.
TCN's General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, apologized to residents and businesses that will be affected by this temporary disruption. This infrastructure work, while necessary for future stability, adds to the current challenges faced by consumers already dealing with reduced power allocations due to the gas supply shortage.
The combination of these factors has created a compounded effect on electricity availability, with Ikeja Electric and other distribution companies working to manage the limited resources while awaiting improvements in gas supply and generation capacity.
