Residents and businesses across parts of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Kogi State are grappling with widespread power outages as the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) announced disruptions caused by technical faults and scheduled maintenance. The utility provider issued two public advisories via its official social media platform, X, over the weekend, detailing the affected regions and underlying reasons.
In Abuja, neighborhoods ranging from residential estates to commercial hubs have been impacted. Key areas include Zulu Community, EcoBank Plaza, Guardian Newspaper offices, and several high-profile residential zones such as Paradise Estate, Trademore Estate, and Efab Classic Estate. Educational institutions like Nile University, Greenpath School, and Base University, along with landmarks such as Defence College and Best Way Hotel, are also experiencing blackouts. The AEDC attributed the disruption in the capital to an unspecified technical fault, apologizing to customers in a statement: “We regret to inform you that the current power outage affecting your area is due to a technical fault.” Efforts to resolve the issue are underway, though no timeline for restoration was provided.
Meanwhile, Kogi State faces a separate outage linked to a planned infrastructure upgrade. Communities including Okene township, Kabba Junction, Isanlu, and surrounding villages are affected as the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) conducts maintenance on the Okpella–Okene 132-kilovolt transmission line. The AEDC emphasized that the temporary shutdown aims to “enhance service reliability and improve power supply” in the long term, urging residents to bear with the inconvenience.
The dual outages highlight ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s electricity grid, where aging infrastructure and limited capacity frequently disrupt daily life and economic activities. In Abuja, the extensive list of affected areas underscores the scale of the technical setback, impacting both urban centers and suburban neighborhoods. For Kogi, the planned maintenance reflects broader efforts to stabilize the national grid, though short-term disruptions compound existing frustrations over inconsistent power supply.
Both advisories struck a conciliatory tone, with the AEDC acknowledging the inconvenience while appealing for public understanding. “We sincerely regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience during this necessary activity,” the company stated. No further updates on progress have been shared as of press time, leaving many residents and businesses reliant on alternative power sources.
The outages come amid longstanding concerns over Nigeria’s energy sector, where frequent blackouts and reliance on private generators remain commonplace. While infrastructure upgrades are critical, the immediate impact on households, schools, and commercial enterprises in Abuja and Kogi underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions to ensure consistent electricity access nationwide.
