National Grid Disturbance: NISO Provides Update on System Collapse And Restoration Efforts
The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has stated that the national electricity grid had experienced a system-wide disturbance at approximately on Friday, January 23, 2026, leading to a total outage across the interconnected transmission network.
According to NISO management the preliminary operational assessments indicated that the disturbance was triggered by the simultaneous tripping of multiple 330kV transmission lines, in addition to the loss of several grid-connected generating units. “These combined events resulted in the collapse of the grid at the time stated.
“Following the outage, grid restoration activities commenced at about 13:15 hours, in strict accordance with established system restoration and recovery protocols. As of the time of this statement, electricity supply has been successfully restored to Abuja, Osogbo, Benin, Onitsha, Sakete, Jebba, Kainji, Shiroro, as well as parts of Lagos. Restoration efforts are ongoing and progressing steadily in other parts of the country.
“NISO wishes to assure stakeholders and the general public that a detailed technical investigation into the root and contributory causes of the disturbance is currently underway. Findings from this investigation will inform corrective and preventive measures aimed at enhancing grid reliability and operational resilience.
“The complete restoration and stabilization of the national grid remains a top operational priority, and NISO is working closely with relevant sector stakeholders to ensure a swift and sustainable recovery,” the statement said.