4 Times Nigeria’s Power Grid Collapsed in 2023

In 2023, Nigeria grappled with significant power grid collapse incidents, impacting daily life and stirring conversations about the country’s energy infrastructure.

This article highlights the key blackouts that occurred throughout the year, providing a timeline and understanding of the challenges faced.

September 14 – The First Collapse of the Year

The tranquility of a regular Thursday morning was disrupted on September 14 when Nigerians woke up to a nationwide blackout.

Managed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in Osogbo, the national grid system suffered a collapse.

Distribution companies like Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) and Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) confirmed the blackout was due to a “total system collapse.”

By evening, Nigeria’s minister of power, Adebayo Adelabu, announced the restoration of the grid.

September 19 – A Rapid Recurrence

Just five days after the grid was restored, Nigerians faced another power outage. EKEDC, in an update, stated, “Following today’s system collapse at 11:31 hrs, there’s a total loss of supply across our network.”

The grid’s instability raised concerns about the robustness of Nigeria’s power infrastructure.

Thankfully, by Tuesday evening, the situation was rectified, and the distribution company assured customers of the impending restoration of power.

December 11 – A Pre-Yuletide Blackout

As the nation geared up for the festive season, the national grid collapsed again on December 11.

Ndidi Mbah, the general manager of TCN, confirmed the incident but also reassured that the grid was restored by the evening, except for the Jos axis, which was expected to regain power shortly.

December 18 Onwards

The current pre-Christmas blackout, unlike past ones, stems from scheduled maintenance at Lagos’ Egbin Thermal Power Station.

As of December 21, the nation eagerly awaits the restoration of electricity, marking a sobering end to a year challenged by power instability.

With a total of 46 grid collapses between 2017 and 2022, and three additional incidents in 2023, the total number of blackouts has reached 59.

This year’s blackouts, though fewer in number, highlight the ongoing challenges within Nigeria’s power sector.

The current outage, due to essential maintenance, marks a shift from past collapses, signaling a proactive grid management strategy.

Nigeria’s recurrent power issues spotlight the need for robust infrastructure, efficient management, and alternative energy for reliable supply.