The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has assured that electricity supply across the country is expected to improve within the next 24 to 48 hours. In a Tuesday statement, NISO attributed the recent significant drop in electricity generation to the explosion on the Escravos–Lagos gas pipeline (ELP).
On December 15, NNPC confirmed that containment measures at the Escravos-Lagos pipeline explosion site were successfully carried out. NISO is closely monitoring repair work by NGPTC on the pipeline.
The explosion led to a sharp decline in electricity generation. Several gas-fired power stations experienced reduced output, limiting the national grid’s generation capacity and causing a shortfall in electricity supply to consumers.
NISO is closely coordinating with the Nigerian Gas Processing and Transportation Company, which has confirmed that repairs on the vandalised pipeline are almost complete.
“The vandalised pipeline is expected to be fully operational within 24 to 48 hours, enabling the affected power plants to resume operations and restore full electricity supply to Nigerians.”
Bayo Adelabu, Nigeria’s minister of power, assured that electricity supply will be restored within 48 hours after a recent decline caused by an explosion on the Escravos–Lagos Gas Pipeline and vandalism of gas infrastructure, which disrupted gas to several thermal power plants.
Adelabu acknowledged the inconveniences currently affecting households and businesses.
He noted that he had met with key power sector stakeholders—including NISO, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the Ministry of Power, electricity generation companies (GenCos), and electricity distribution companies (DisCos).
The minister explained that the increased electricity demand during the Yuletide season makes the prompt restoration of gas supply and a boost in energy generation essential.
At the meeting, stakeholders confirmed that repairs to the vandalised pipelines are expected to be completed within 24 to 48 hours, after which gas supply will resume.
The minister has instructed all relevant agencies to step up their efforts to ensure the timeline is strictly met.
“We understand the inconvenience this has caused Nigerians. Nevertheless, we want to assure the public that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Power, is working tirelessly to resolve the situation with the highest urgency,” he stated.
Given the heightened electricity demand during the Yuletide season, he emphasized the urgent need to restore gas supply and boost power generation. Adelabu expressed confidence that both gas supply and electricity output would improve significantly within 24 to 48 hours, with normal levels gradually being restored.
The minister emphasized that the federal government is treating the incident with the highest level of seriousness, prioritizing immediate efforts to restore electricity supply.
He further noted that, in addition to these short-term actions, long-term initiatives are being fast-tracked to diversify the nation’s energy mix, enhance grid resilience, and implement advanced surveillance technologies to safeguard critical infrastructure.