The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced the successful restoration of the national power grid after it collapsed at 4:28 pm on Thursday. In a statement released on Friday, TCN confirmed that the grid was fully recovered by 10 pm on the same day.

Despite the grid’s collapse, the Eko Electricity Distribution Company managed to receive minimal power supply, enabling the restoration of power to Agbara, Ojo, Akangba, Ajah, Lekki, and Alagbon Transmission Stations.

According to Ndidi Mbah, the spokesperson of TCN, the disturbance originated from a significant reduction in generation capacity due to gas constraints, leading to a rapid decline in system frequency and an imbalance in the grid. The sudden tripping of Egbin generation Turbine 3 further exacerbated the situation, resulting in an additional loss of 167MW load and the subsequent collapse of the grid.

Mbah expressed optimism about the restoration of power supply to normal levels soon, as efforts to stabilize the grid continue. TCN reaffirmed its commitment to addressing grid challenges and collaborating with stakeholders to minimize disruptions.

The collapse of the national grid on Thursday left major cities, including Lagos and Abuja, without power. According to the International Energy Agency, Nigeria experienced 46 grid collapses between 2017 and 2023, with significant nationwide blackouts occurring in 2023, notably on September 14 due to a fire on a major transmission line.

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has assured Nigerians that current power issues will be resolved within the next three to six months. He emphasized that gas suppliers, who halted gas supply to power generating companies over unpaid debts, would begin receiving payments from April.