Electricity supply in Lagos has been significantly disrupted following a major shutdown at the Egbin Power Station and a simultaneous fault on a key transmission route feeding the state, according to the Nigerian Independent System Operator.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the operator warned that the combined incidents could lead to prolonged power shortages across Lagos, Nigeria’s largest electricity consumption hub.
The disruption reportedly began late on April 28 when Egbin Power Station experienced a critical operational failure that forced an immediate halt in generation. Power output dropped sharply from about 641 megawatts to zero within a short period.
The system operator explained that the plant’s shutdown was triggered by a failure involving its central compressor unit, alongside a malfunction of the circulating water pump system, necessitating a full safety shutdown of all generating units.
The statement noted: “The Nigerian Independent System Operator wishes to inform 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, which is the largest electricity-generating plant on the national grid and a major contributor to daily power supply in Nigeria, experienced a major operational disturbance.
“At approximately 8:21 p.m. on April 28, 2026, Egbin Power Station recorded a total loss of generation, dropping from about 641MW to zero output.
“This incident was caused by the failure of the plant’s central compressor, in addition to a malfunction of the circulating water pump system, which necessitated an immediate shutdown of all generating units to safeguard the facility.”
The agency also noted that the disruption has been compounded by an unrelated fault on the Osogbo–Ikeja West 330kV transmission line, a critical corridor responsible for evacuating electricity into Lagos.
According to the operator, the transmission failure has further limited the volume of power that can be delivered into the Lagos electricity network, worsening the supply shortfall.
“Power supply to the Lagos region is currently further restricted due to the forced outage of the Osogbo–Ikeja West 330kV transmission line, thereby limiting the evacuation of available generation into the Lagos load centre,” the statement added.
With both generation and transmission constraints in place, system operators have begun implementing load-shedding measures to maintain grid stability and avoid a wider system collapse.
Emergency interventions currently underway include redistribution of available power across distribution companies, with priority given to critical infrastructure such as hospitals, security installations and essential services. Operators are also working to optimise output from other generation plants to cushion the impact on consumers.
“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 deployed contingency measures, including the reallocation of available load across distribution companies, with priority given to critical national infrastructure.
“In addition, efforts are ongoing to optimise generation from other available power plants to mitigate the impact of this development on electricity consumers.”
The operator expressed regret over the disruption, particularly its impact on residents of Lagos and surrounding areas, and assured that restoration efforts are ongoing in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
“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 quickly as possible.”
The Egbin Power Station, located in Ikorodu, is the largest thermal power facility connected to Nigeria’s national grid, with an installed capacity of over 1,300 megawatts.
