The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has announced the full restoration of power supply to all parts of the country, following a system disturbance. According to a statement released by NISO’s management in Abuja on Monday, system stability has been normalized. The disturbance, which occurred at 2:01 pm, resulted in a partial collapse of the national grid, affecting electricity supply across various regions.
Investigations into the cause and sequence of events leading to the disturbance are currently underway. NISO has assured that appropriate measures will be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future. The system operator noted that the national grid’s fragility was exacerbated by the vandalism of the Lagos-Escravos-Lagos gas pipeline on December 10, which led to a shortage in power generation.
Preliminary reports indicate that the disturbance involved the tripping of several generating units and critical 330 kilovolt (kV) transmission lines, resulting in a widespread impact on electricity supply. However, the Delta generation complex successfully operated on island mode at the 132 kV sub-transmission voltage level, enabling the continued supply of electricity to several substations, including Oghara, Amukpe, Benin, and Efunrun. The Delta Thermal Power Station generated 114 megawatts from four units.
In response to the disturbance, NISO initiated system response measures using its dispatch and monitoring tools at the National Control Centre in Osogbo. The system operator has reassured Nigerians of its commitment to proactive grid management and the application of best operational practices to ensure the stability and reliability of the national grid. The incident highlights the need for continued efforts to improve the resilience and efficiency of Nigeria’s power infrastructure. With the national grid restored, NISO will focus on implementing measures to prevent similar disruptions and ensure a stable power supply to meet the country’s growing energy needs.