Nigeria grid collapse traced to Gombe substation issue

Nigeria’s national grid experienced a partial collapse on Tuesday, caused by a voltage disturbance at the Gombe transmission substation, according to the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO). The incident, which occurred at approximately 11:00 am, resulted in a temporary loss of power generation, with output dropping to zero megawatts.

NISO has clarified that the disturbance did not constitute a total system collapse, contrary to reports by some media outlets. The system operator emphasized that the incident was limited to a portion of the national grid, with electricity supply to affected areas fully restored following immediate corrective actions by technical teams.

The voltage disturbance originated at the Gombe transmission substation and spread to other parts of the network, impacting multiple substations, including Jebba, Kainji, and Ayede. Although stabilization measures were swiftly implemented, some transmission lines and generating units tripped during the incident.

NISO has confirmed that restoration efforts commenced shortly after the disturbance and were completed within hours. The system operator has assured that the national grid has been fully restored, and electricity supply across the affected areas has returned to normal.

This incident marks the second grid disturbance recorded in 2026, following a series of collapses in 2025. The recurring disturbances have raised concerns about the reliability of Nigeria’s power infrastructure. In 2025, the national grid collapsed multiple times, with the last recorded incident occurring on December 29.

The Nigerian power sector has been working to address these challenges, with the federal government recently initiating a 4 trillion debt settlement plan and issuing a 501 billion bond to support generation companies. The latest disturbance highlights the need for continued efforts to stabilize and strengthen the national grid, ensuring a reliable supply of electricity to meet the country’s growing energy demands.

The Nigerian Independent System Operator has reiterated its commitment to maintaining a stable and efficient power supply, with ongoing efforts to prevent future disturbances and improve the overall resilience of the national grid. As the country continues to develop its energy infrastructure, addressing the root causes of these recurring disturbances will be crucial to ensuring a stable and reliable power supply for its citizens and businesses.