Nigerians were left in darkness on Saturday, January 11, as the national electricity grid suffered its first collapse of 2025. The grid, which has been plagued by recurrent failures in recent years, reportedly went down at exactly 1:56 p.m., according to data from the Nigerian System Operator’s portal (niggrid.org).
This latest collapse comes on the heels of a troubling trend of instability in the nation’s power infrastructure. In 2024 alone, the grid recorded at least 12 collapses, leaving millions of Nigerians without electricity for extended periods and sparking widespread frustration among citizens and businesses.
While details surrounding the cause of Saturday’s collapse remain unclear, the incident has reignited concerns about the resilience of Nigeria’s power supply system. The recurring failures have been linked to inadequate maintenance, outdated infrastructure, and a lack of investment in critical sectors of the power value chain.
Speaking on the collapse, energy analyst Ibrahim Danjuma described the situation as “a stark reminder of the need for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s power sector.” He added, “The persistent grid failures are not just technical issues; they are economic and social crises that affect the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians. Industries grind to a halt, businesses lose revenue, and households suffer in darkness. This cannot continue.”
Efforts by government authorities to address the country’s power challenges have so far failed to yield significant results. The national grid, which is managed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), has long struggled with insufficient capacity to meet growing energy demands. Experts have repeatedly called for increased investment in alternative power sources such as solar, wind, and off-grid solutions to ease the pressure on the national grid.
A source within the power sector, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that investigations are underway to determine the cause of the latest grid collapse. “Preliminary assessments are ongoing, but we cannot confirm the specific cause at this time,” the source said.
The impact of the blackout has been widespread, with reports of disruptions to businesses and essential services in major cities across the country. Many residents have turned to private generators to power their homes, further highlighting the reliance on costly and environmentally unfriendly alternatives in the face of a failing grid.
As the country grapples with yet another grid failure, stakeholders and experts continue to advocate for a comprehensive overhaul of the power sector. The hope remains that 2025 will not mirror the challenges of the previous year, but without decisive action, the path to stable electricity in Nigeria remains uncertain.
