IBEDC Urges Dialogue Amid Power Woes, Protests

Ibadan, March 7, 2026 – The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has issued a public apology for widespread power disruptions across its network in Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Kwara, and other areas, attributing the crisis to national grid failures driven by gas shortages to generating plants. Company officials emphasized that generation has plummeted to around 3,940MW recently, far below demand, exacerbated by recent upgrades adding more Band A feeders as per regulatory mandates.

Root Causes of Outages

Persistent gas supply deficits have crippled thermal plants, which provide over 70% of Nigeria’s electricity, leaving only 40% of required fuel volumes available and forcing plant shutdowns. This has widened the supply-demand gap in IBEDC’s franchise, where customer needs have surged amid economic pressures. Recent data from the Nigerian Independent System Operator shows further drops, with distribution companies rationing as low as 2,830MW amid ongoing constraints.

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Escalating Community Backlash

Protests erupted in Osogbo, Osun State, where dozens of residents stormed IBEDC offices on March 4-5, demanding restoration to Band A status and issuing seven-day ultimatums after downgrades led to just 4 hours of daily supply. Demonstrators from areas like Oke-Baale, Owo-Eba, and UNIOSUN cited business collapses and hardships, threatening restricted access for company staff if unmet. IBEDC’s Osun regional head acknowledged readiness to upgrade but cited metering shortfalls below 90% and national generation woes as barriers.

Company’s Response and Assurances

In its March 6 statement, IBEDC expressed regret for impacts on homes and businesses, urging communities to prioritize dialogue with leaders over confrontation. Management is lobbying power sector stakeholders for better allocations and grid stability. Earlier, Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu criticized IBEDC’s slow metering and pushed for embedded generation, like from Ikere Gorge Dam, while noting new investors to bolster operations.