Grid Disruption: Major Plant Failure Triggers Power Shortfall, Load Shedding Hits Lagos-NISO
By Core Reporters
The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has alerted the general public of a significant reduction in power generation currently affecting electricity supply across the country, particularly within the Lagos region.
Egbin Power Station, the largest electricity generating plant on the national grid and a major contributor to daily power supply in Nigeria, experienced a major operational disturbance.
NISO said, “At about 8:21pm on April 28, 2026, the power station recorded a complete loss of generation, dropping from approximately 641MW to zero output. The incident was attributed to a failure of the plant’s central compressor, alongside a malfunction of the circulating water pump system, which necessitated an emergency shutdown of all units.
“In addition, power supply to the Lagos region is currently restricted due to the forced outage of the Osogbo–Ikeja West 330kV transmission line, further constraining the delivery of available generation into the Lagos load centre.
Consequently, this loss of generation has created a significant supply shortfall, necessitating immediate load shedding measures to maintain grid stability and prevent a wider system disturbance. System operators have since activated contingency measures, adjusted load allocation across distribution companies with priority to critical infrastructure, and are optimizing available generation from other power plants to mitigate the impact.
“We acknowledge the inconvenience this situation has caused electricity consumers, especially within Lagos and surrounding areas, and we assure the public that all relevant stakeholders are working closely to resolve the situation as soon as possible,” NISO said.
