Massive blackout hits Nigeria as energy production falls to 273MW, sparking concerns
Nigeria experienced a drastic drop in electricity supply, plunging by 93.5% to a mere 273 megawatts (MW) in the early hours of today. This sharp decline comes after a complete system collapse caused by equipment failure or grid disturbance in the energy sector.
According to data obtained from the Nigeria Electricity System Operator, a semi-autonomous branch of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), power plants such as Afam VI, Dadinkowa, Ibom Power, Jebba, and Olorunsogo generated a mere 0.70MW, 0.00MW, 32.90MW, 240MW, and zero, respectively.
Despite efforts to reach out to the Managing Director/CEO of TCN, Sule Abdulaziz, for comments, no response was received. However, a top industry leader acknowledged the situation, stating, “The grid has been very unstable for days before the latest system collapse. As we speak, there is a blackout.”
READ ALSO: Nigerians to pay more as FG increases price of electricity metres nationwide
Further investigations revealed that on Tuesday, Nigeria’s electricity generation witnessed a 59% decline to 1,705 megawatts (MW) compared to the previous day’s 4,182 MW, all attributed to grid disturbances.
This considerable drop in power supply has forced many households and businesses to resort to generating their own independent power, incurring higher costs due to the exorbitant prices of diesel, which now exceeds N600 per liter. The cost of petrol has also risen by approximately 169%, reaching over N500 per liter since June 2023, up from N186 per liter (major marketers) in the preceding month of May 2023.
In response to the crisis, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, assured Nigerians of imminent improvement in power supply across the nation. During a recent reception, he stated, “We know it’s not something that is achievable overnight, but we believe that once the foundation is laid, others can also build on it. I can tell you that between six months and one year, we will start seeing improvement in the power sector.”
As Nigerians face the challenges posed by this severe blackout, immediate action and comprehensive strategies are needed to restore stable and efficient electricity supply to the nation.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va74ZvU2v1IqKByXoX3d
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
