The Federal Government has blamed the recent electricity outages affecting Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and two other areas on scheduled maintenance at Egbin Power Station, gas supply challenges and the sabotage of critical transmission lines.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, disclosed this in a statement shared on Facebook on Friday, explaining that the challenges had reduced electricity generation on the national grid, forcing operators to ration power supply in affected locations.
Tegbe said the first set of affected generating units was expected to resume operations within 48 to 72 hours, while other units would return to service gradually.
According to the minister, scheduled maintenance at Egbin Power Station, coupled with inadequate gas supply to some thermal power plants, had significantly reduced the volume of electricity available for distribution across the country.
He stated, “Planned maintenance at Egbin Power Station and constraints in gas supply to some thermal power stations have reduced the amount of electricity available on the national grid.”
The minister also identified the sabotage of major transmission infrastructure as another factor worsening the power situation, explaining that the damage had limited the ability of operators to redirect electricity through alternative transmission routes.
He specifically noted that the situation had affected electricity supply to some locations, particularly Lagos.
“Sabotage of key transmission lines has also restricted the use of alternative routes to supply some locations, especially Lagos,” Tegbe added.
The minister assured Nigerians that the Federal Government was working with relevant stakeholders in the electricity sector to address the challenges.
He said efforts were underway to improve gas deliveries to power generation companies and accelerate repairs to damaged transmission infrastructure.
Tegbe apologised to households and businesses affected by the outages, promising that the ministry would continue to provide updates as electricity supply gradually improves.
Meanwhile, on November 4, the minister directed the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) and electricity distribution companies to urgently resolve operational challenges responsible for the decline in power generation.
