In a statement released on Thursday, the operator warned that the combined disruptions could trigger extended power shortages across Lagos, Nigeria’s biggest electricity demand centre.

The outage reportedly began on April 28 after Egbin Power Station experienced a critical technical failure that forced an immediate halt in operations. As a result, generation plunged sharply from about 641 megawatts to zero within a short period.

The system operator explained that the shutdown was caused by a failure of the plant’s central compressor unit, along with a malfunction in the circulating water pump system, which made a full safety shutdown of all generating units necessary.

The statement read in part: “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 operator added that the situation has been worsened by a separate fault on the Osogbo–Ikeja West 330kV transmission line, a major route used to evacuate power into Lagos.

It noted that the transmission fault has further reduced the amount of electricity that can be supplied to the Lagos network, deepening 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 challenges affecting the grid, system operators have begun load-shedding measures to maintain stability and prevent a wider collapse of the national power system.

Emergency steps being taken include redistribution of available electricity among distribution companies, with priority given to essential services such as hospitals, security agencies, and critical infrastructure. Efforts are also underway to maximise output from other power plants to reduce 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 effect on Lagos residents 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, remains the largest thermal power plant connected to Nigeria’s national grid, with an installed capacity exceeding 1,300 megawatts.