Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Power Sector

  • Nigeria’s Power Infrastructure Suffers Second National Grid Failure Within Five Days

    Nigeria’s Power Infrastructure Suffers Second National Grid Failure Within Five Days

    According to reporting by Premium Times, the Nigerian electricity supply has once again been thrown into total disarray following the collapse of the national power grid on Tuesday. This latest incident marks the second time in less than a week that the country has experienced a nationwide blackout, severely impacting economic activities and residential comfort across various states. Distribution companies, including those in Abuja and Eko, confirmed the loss of power supply, stating that they were awaiting technical resolution from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

    The recurring failure of the transmission system has sparked renewed concerns regarding the Federal Government’s ability to stabilize the energy sector. Analysts note that these frequent disturbances undermine industrial productivity and increase the cost of doing business as firms are forced to rely on expensive alternative energy sources. While the TCN typically attributes such collapses to technical “disturbances” or “system frequency fluctuations,” the lack of a permanent solution remains a point of contention for energy stakeholders.

    The Daily Trust also confirmed the development, noting that “Nigeria’s electricity grid yesterday recorded its third collapse in a month,” highlighting a rapid decline in grid stability since the start of the year. Similarly, ThisDay reported on the widespread darkness, quoting an industry source who stated, “The national grid collapsed on Tuesday afternoon, leaving power supply across most of the country at near-zero levels.”

    Echotitbits take: This frequent grid instability suggests deep-seated infrastructural decay that the 2026 budget allocations must address urgently. Watch for the Ministry of Power to provide a formal roadmap for grid decentralization, which experts argue is the only long-term solution to these recurring collapses.

    Source: The Guardian – https://guardian.ng/news/national-grid-bounces-back-after-crashing-to-39mw/ January 28, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Guardian

  • Sahara Group Targets 7,000MW Capacity in Massive Power Sector Push

    Sahara Group Targets 7,000MW Capacity in Massive Power Sector Push

    Reporting by The Punch indicates Sahara Group is targeting a 7,000MW power generation capacity in 2026 as it expands investments across Nigeria’s electricity value chain, including upgrades to existing assets and new renewable projects.

    The company said progress will depend on a stable regulatory environment and ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Power as reforms continue under the government’s broader energy agenda.

    Leadership and Tribune Online also reported the plans, noting Sahara Group’s stated commitment to renewable integration and infrastructure modernization as part of its 2026 roadmap.

    Echotitbits take: 7,000MW is ambitious relative to typical grid output. Even partial delivery could materially help industry, but the gas supply chain and transmission constraints will determine whether this target becomes real megawatts or just a headline.

    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/sahara-group-eyes-7000mw-in-major-power-sector-push/ 2026-01-07

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Power ministry says 2026 priority is reliable supply as grid fragility persists

    Power ministry says 2026 priority is reliable supply as grid fragility persists

    Reporting by Vanguard indicates Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu says the federal priority for 2026 is to deliver electricity that is reliable, accessible and sustainable, tying the goal to ongoing reforms.

    The pledge lands amid recurring grid fragility driven by generation constraints, transmission bottlenecks and sector liquidity disputes that keep supply volatile for households and manufacturers.

    Officials say achieving stability requires sustained investment and tighter coordination across gas supply, generation, transmission and distribution.

    Echotitbits take: Promises won’t move the needle without measurable milestones. Watch grid stability metrics, DisCo supply-hour transparency, and whether sector cashflow improves enough to fund maintenance and new capacity.

    Source: Vanguard — January 4, 2026 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/minister-adelabu-pledges-reliable-power-supply-in-2026/#google_vignette)

    Vanguard January 4, 2026

    Photo Credit: Vanguard

  • Power distributors begin rollout of 700,000 ‘free’ prepaid meters under regulator pressure

    Power distributors begin rollout of 700,000 ‘free’ prepaid meters under regulator pressure

    2025-12-29 09:00:00
    Punch reports that electricity distribution companies have commenced rollout plans for about 700,000 prepaid meters, amid intensified pressure from the regulator to close Nigeria’s metering gap and reduce estimated billing.

    Related coverage flags a major operational wrinkle: STS token migration, with many existing meters still needing upgrades to remain compatible, which could complicate customer experience even as new units are deployed.

    The programme’s credibility will be judged on installations completed, activation speed, and how quickly customer disputes over billing reduce in real terms.

    TheCable quotes NERC’s Musiliu Oseni warning, “If your network is not ready to accept the new meters, don’t bring them,” while ThisDay notes “over 350,000 meters are yet to be migrated to the new Standard Transfer Specification (STS).”

    Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s metering fight is now about execution—warehouse to wall. Watch who gets first (Band A vs others), how fast meters are activated, and whether dispute resolution is responsive when timelines slip.

    Source: The Punch — December 29, 2025 (https://punchng.com/regulator-pressure-discos-roll-out-700000-free-meters/)
    The Punch 2025-12-29

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Nigeria’s gas supply rises in November as regulator cites higher plant utilisation

    Nigeria’s gas supply rises in November as regulator cites higher plant utilisation

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-14 00:10:00

    According to The Punch, Nigeria’s average daily gas supply climbed to 4.684 billion standard cubic feet per day in November 2025, up from October levels, based on operational data released by the NMDPRA.

    The regulator attributed the improvement to higher utilisation across major processing hubs and steadier volumes, including export supply from Nigeria LNG in Bonny.

    Rising gas supply can support power generation and industrial activity, but sustained gains will depend on infrastructure reliability and getting gas to priority domestic users.

    MoneyCentral reported the factsheet shows domestic gas supply “hit 4.684 billion standard cubic feet per day (Bscf/day).” The Punch similarly stated the figure was “4.684 billion standard cubic feet per day” for November.

    Echotitbits take:
    The next test is whether higher volumes translate into better electricity and industrial output—not just export stability. Watch monthly NMDPRA data, NLNG feedgas stability, and any pipeline constraint updates.

    Source: The Punch — December 14, 2025 (https://punchng.com/gas-supply-improved-in-nov-says-nmdpra/)
    The Punch 2025-12-14

  • Tinubu taps Muliyat Oseni to lead NERC as power-sector regulation resets

    Tinubu taps Muliyat Oseni to lead NERC as power-sector regulation resets

    Photo Credit: Punch / State House
    2025-12-19 10:00:00

    In a report by The Punch, President Tinubu has appointed Dr. Muliyat Omolola Oseni as chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

    The change matters because NERC shapes tariffs, market rules, consumer protection and investor confidence—areas under pressure from service shortfalls and reform disputes.

    Verification: Premium Times and Vanguard also reported the appointment and the leadership change at the regulator.

    Quotes: Premium Times: “President Tinubu appoints new NERC chairman…” Vanguard: “Tinubu appoints Dr. Muliyat Oseni as NERC Chairman…”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Appointments don’t fix electricity—execution does. Watch the first 90 days: metering acceleration, estimated billing controls, Disco performance enforcement, and transparent dispute resolution across the value chain.

    Source: The Punch — 2025-12-19 — https://punchng.com/tinubu-appoints-oseni-nerc-chairman/

    The Punch 2025-12-19

  • Reps committee summons three DisCos over ₦100bn unpaid remittances

    Reps committee summons three DisCos over ₦100bn unpaid remittances

    PunchNG (illustrative image on article page)
    2025-12-16

    According to The Punch, the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee summoned IBEDC, BEDC and PHEDC over alleged failure to remit more than ₦100bn owed to the Federal Government.

    The committee said the move is about protecting public resources and warned that ignoring summons can attract penalties under the law.

    The matter sits within broader debates on market shortfalls and cashflow constraints in the power sector.

    ThisDay: “summoned… over N100bn payment default.”

    BusinessDay: “summons… over N100bn debt to FG.”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: This could force repayment plans—or fade without enforcement. Watch for sanctions, structured recovery agreements, and whether regulators address the deeper revenue-collection and tariff issues driving remittance gaps.

    Source: The Punch — December 16, 2025 (https://punchng.com/n100bn-unpaid-reps-move-against-three-discos/)

  • DisCos added 187,765 meters in two months as national metering rate inches up

    DisCos added 187,765 meters in two months as national metering rate inches up

    Photo: Disco image – ThisDay

    According to The Punch, electricity distribution companies installed meters for 187,765 customers in September and October 2025, as reported by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

    The report indicated 80,943 customers were metered in September and 106,822 in October, nudging the national metering rate upward from 55.37% to 56.07% and slightly expanding the total metered customer base.

    The Guardian also cited the NERC metering factsheet and highlighted the month-to-month improvement, while pointing out that the overall metering gap remains substantial despite incremental progress.

    Vanguard similarly reported the figures and reiterated NERC’s framing that the factsheet is meant to track DisCo progress in closing Nigeria’s long-running metering deficit.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s metering story is now about pace and fairness. The monthly gains are positive, but too slow relative to demand growth and consumer distrust of estimated billing. Watch for: (1) how quickly DisCos meter high-complaint feeders, (2) the availability and financing of meters under MAP/National Mass Metering efforts, and (3) whether dispute resolution improves as metering expands.

    Source: The Punch — 14 Dec 2025 (https://punchng.com/187765-electricity-customers-metered-in-two-months-nerc/)

     

  • Finance minister reconstitutes NBET board, reinstates controversial MD, Amobi

    Finance minister reconstitutes NBET board, reinstates controversial MD, Amobi

    The Federal Government has reconstituted the Board of Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company, the managing and administrative agency of the electricity pool in the Nigerian electricity supply industry.

    A statement from the Federal Ministry of Finance indicated that the prevalent challenges in the power sector made it necessary to re-constitute the Board.

    During the inauguration of the board, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, charged the members to come up with strategies that will facilitate the speedy resolution of challenges in the power sector.

    Members of the board are Mr. Alexander Okoh, Ms. Patience Oniha, Mr Ben Akabueze, Suleyman Ndanusa, Engr. Mustapha Balarabe Shehu, Mr. Adeyeye Adepegba and Dr. Marilyn Amobi, as Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer.

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    Mrs. Ahmed, who is the Chairman of the Board, said: “The reconstitution of the board therefore took consideration of the current stage of evolution of the restructured electricity sector, the complexities the sector currently faces, multi-disciplinary skills of prospective Board members especially in finance and investment, electricity generation, system operations of deregulated electricity markets, administrative law, as well as economic regulation of network utilities, amongst other factors.

    “It is important that we bring our skills and experiences to bear in this critical assignment.

    “It is important that we build NBET to become that defensive wall against potential payment defaults, till generation companies and distribution companies are able to enter into power purchase agreements on bilateral basis.”

    She said NBET should be able to successfully fulfill its role in the management and administration of financial flows in the sector, adding that it was vital for the agency to promote a contract-based market that allocates risks efficiently to parties responsible for them.

    Recall that the reinstated Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer NBET, Dr. Marilyn Amobi, has been enmeshed in controversies including an alleged N517 million graft and violation of the country’s code of conduct for public officials.

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    Premium Times had on June 10 exposed how Ms. Amobi continued to run a private firm, ESL Economics and Management Limited, registered in the United Kingdom, while being a public officer in Nigeria in violation of the country’s code of conduct for public officials.

    She also continued to run a foreign account in violation of Nigeria’s law, Premium Times reported.