FG Reassures Nigerians As Power Supply Set To Rebound In 48 Hours

The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) on Tuesday night assured Nigerians that electricity supply across the country would improve within the next 24 to 48 hours.

It stated that repairs on the vandalised Escravos–Lagos Gas Pipeline (ELP) are near completion.

In a statement, NISO disclosed that it is closely monitoring ongoing repair works being carried out by the Nigerian Gas Processing and Transportation Company (NGPTC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), following the recent explosion on the ELP.

THE WHISTLER recalls that the drop in power supply followed an explosion on the Escravos–Lagos Gas Pipeline (ELP), compounded by acts of vandalism on critical gas infrastructure, which disrupted gas supply to several thermal power plants across the country.

The incident triggered a sharp drop in electricity generation nationwide after gas supply to several thermal power plants was disrupted.

According to NISO, the explosion and associated acts of vandalism led to reduced output from multiple gas-fired power stations, resulting in a shortfall in available generation capacity on the national grid and consequent supply challenges to electricity consumers.

However, the System Operator said it has received assurances from NGPTC that restoration works are at an advanced stage and that the pipeline is expected to be fully operational within 48 hours.

“The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) wishes to inform the general public and power sector stakeholders that it is closely monitoring the ongoing repair work by the Nigerian Gas Processing and Transportation Company (NGPTC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on the recent Escravos-Lagos Gas Pipeline (ELP) explosion.

“This explosion caused a significant drop in electricity generation. Recall that, following the explosion, several gas-fired power stations recorded low outputs, reducing available generation capacity on the national grid and resulting in a shortfall in electricity supply to customers.

“NISO is in close contact with the Nigerian Gas Processing and Transportation Company and has been assured that restoration work on the vandalised pipeline is nearing completion.

” It is expected that the vandalised pipeline will be fully operational within the next twenty to forty-eight hours, allowing the affected power plants to resume operations and restore full electricity supply to Nigerians”, the statement stated.

Reacting to NISO’s statement, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, assured Nigerians that electricity supply will be rapidly restored following the recent decline caused by a temporary shortfall in power generation.

He disclosed that the situation is expected to be resolved within the next 24 to 48 hours.

A statement issued by Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the Minister, quoted Adelabu as acknowledging the inconveniences currently being experienced by households and businesses.

He said that the disruption is temporary and directly linked to acute gas supply constraints affecting several thermal power generation stations.

The statement stated that the Minister reiterated the assurances during a meeting held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, with key power sector stakeholders, including NISO, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the Ministry of Power, Power Generation Companies (GENCOs), and Power Distribution Companies (DISCOs).

At the meeting, stakeholders confirmed that repairs to the vandalised pipelines would be completed within 24 to 48 hours, enabling the resumption of gas supply.

The Minister, however, directed all relevant agencies to intensify their efforts to ensure the timeline is strictly adhered to.

Preliminary investigations, according to the Minister, have established that the gas supply shortage was caused by the ELP explosion and acts of vandalism on gas pipelines in the Niger Delta region.

According to him, the incidents significantly reduced the volume of gas required to power key electricity plants, resulting in a sharp decline in overall generation on the national grid.

Adelabu assured Nigerians of the Federal Government’s commitment to resolving the issue swiftly.

“We understand the frustration this has caused Nigerians. However, we wish to assure the public that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Power, is working around the clock to address the situation with utmost urgency,” he said.

He expressed confidence that a marked improvement in gas supply and power generation would be achieved within the next 24 to 48 hours, with a gradual return to normal generation levels thereafter.

The Minister further stated that the Federal Government is treating the incident with utmost seriousness, noting that beyond immediate restoration efforts, long-term measures are being accelerated to diversify the nation’s energy mix, strengthen grid resilience, and deploy advanced surveillance technologies to safeguard critical infrastructure.

He appealed to the public for patience and understanding during the temporary disruption and urged communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities around power and gas facilities to security agencies.

He stressed that the protection of national infrastructure is a shared responsibility.

Adelabu also reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to delivering stable, reliable, and sustainable electricity to power homes, industries, and the broader economy, assuring Nigerians that the temporary setback would not derail this objective.