Nigeria experienced a series of national grid collapses on December 29, 2025, resulting in a nationwide blackout. The collapse, which occurred at 2:02 pm, affected the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company’s franchise areas in Abuja, Nasarawa, and Kogi states. This incident marks the fourth national grid collapse in 2025, following previous collapses on February 12, March 7, and September 10.
The grid collapse had significant economic implications, with estimated losses of billions of Naira for businesses and individuals reliant on the national grid for electricity. Despite efforts to restore the grid, electricity supply remained disrupted for many Nigerians as of Monday night, with major distribution companies confirming ongoing blackouts.
According to the Nigeria National Grid, electricity allocation to distribution companies increased from 50 megawatts in the afternoon to 2,958 megawatts by 10:17 pm. The allocated electricity was distributed among various companies, including Abuja DisCo, which received 453 megawatts, Ikeja DisCo with 447 megawatts, and Eko DisCo with 380 megawatts.
Experts have expressed concern over the recurring grid collapses, citing deeper structural challenges within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry. Dr. Muda Yusuf, Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, noted that the collapse could result in significant losses for businesses if not resolved promptly. Former Abuja Electricity Distribution Company spokesperson Oyebode Fadipe described the incident as troubling, particularly given the period of low electricity demand during the festive season.
The recent grid collapse occurs amidst unfulfilled promises by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, to achieve 6,000 megawatts of electricity in 2025. Nigeria’s power sector has struggled with over a decade of challenges, including frequent grid collapses. As the country looks to 2026, there are concerns that the grid stability issues may persist unless deliberate steps are taken to address the underlying problems. Implementing appropriate policies and reforms will be crucial to preventing further regression in the power sector and improving the reliability of electricity supply nationwide.
