Gas Crisis Cripples National Grid: Ikeja Electric Laments Power Drop

​Lagos, Nigeria – Residents and businesses across Lagos are facing intensified blackouts as Ikeja Electric (IE) warned on Monday that a nationwide gas shortage has severely throttled electricity generation.

​The Distribution Company (DisCo) revealed that the ongoing supply reduction is a direct consequence of a “significant drop” in the energy available on the national grid. This shortfall is primarily driven by limited gas supply to thermal power plants, which account for over 70% of Nigeria’s electricity mix.

​According to the latest data from the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), national power generation recently dipped below the 4,000MW mark—a sharp decline from the 5,500MW seen earlier in the year. Industry reports indicate that as of late March 2026, up to 16 of the country’s 33 power plants have gone offline or are operating at a fraction of their capacity.

​The crisis is compounded by a staggering ₦6.8 trillion debt owed by the sector, with Generation Companies (GenCos) struggling to pay gas suppliers. Currently, thermal plants require approximately 1,588 million standard cubic feet (MMSCF) of gas per day but are receiving only about 40% of that volume.

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​In a public notice, Ikeja Electric appealed for patience, noting that the volume of energy it receives from the grid has been slashed, forcing the company to implement “load shedding” to manage the meager allocation.

​“We remain committed to distributing the available power as efficiently and equitably as possible,” the company stated, expressing regret for the disruptions to homes and industrial hub.

​The Federal Government has acknowledged the crisis, with the Ministry of Power recently announcing plans to issue bonds worth ₦4 trillion to settle outstanding debts and stabilize the gas supply chain. However, until these fiscal measures translate into actual fuel for the turbines, Nigerians should brace for continued instability.