The Digest:
Nigeria’s national power grid collapsed on Friday, January 23, 2026, for the first time this year, causing a total blackout across the country. According to data from the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), power generation dropped to zero megawatts, and load allocation to all 11 electricity distribution companies fell to zero by 1 p.m. This follows multiple grid failures recorded throughout 2025, despite previous infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving grid capacity and stability.
Key Points:
- The collapse disrupts daily life, affecting households, businesses, hospitals, and essential services nationwide.
- It highlights the persistent fragility of Nigeria’s power infrastructure despite repeated investments and upgrades.
- Businesses suffer operational and financial losses due to unexpected outages, undermining economic productivity.
- The incident raises questions about the effectiveness of recent maintenance and synchronization efforts with regional power networks.
- The timing renews public frustration with the unreliable power supply and calls for more sustainable solutions.
TheCable
