By Frank Ulom
ABUJA (CONVERSEER) – Nigeria is currently without an electricity supply following the collapse of the National Grid on Friday, 23 January 2026.
Converseer learned that the grid collapsed around 12:46 PM, putting the entire country into darkness. This is the first time the National Grid has collapsed in 2026, despite promises of stable electricity by the Federal Government.
According to reports, the output dropped from 3,996MW to 20MW following the collapse.
RESTORATION PROGRESS:
DisCo Load | 23 Jan 2026 | 3:20 PM
IbadanDisCo – 10 MW
AbujaDisCo – 0 MW
BeninDisCo – 0 MW
EkoDisCo – 0 MW
EnuguDisCo – 0 MW
IkejaDisCo – 0 MW
JosDisCo – 0 MW
KadunaDisCo – 0 MW
KanoDisCo – 0 MW
PHarcourtDisCo – 0 MW
YolaDisCo – 0 MW
Total – 10 MW
Recall that in 2024, the National Grid collapsed 12 times, while in 2025, it was just 6 times. Following today’s drop, only 40MW has been restored after 3 hours.
The National Grid has collapsed over 120 times in 11 years, despite more than $1.4 billion in electricity loans collected by the government.
Recall also that in 2025, the Honourable Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, said the government needs $10 billion annually to guarantee stable electricity.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, 22 January, Chief Adelabu inspected 23 containers of 1.4 smart metres at APM Terminal Apapa Wharf, Lagos, meant for eleven distribution companies (DisCos) aimed at closing over 8 million country’s metre gap.
Speaking with the media after the inspection, the Minister noted that he needed to confirm the delivery of the procured metres, which is in collaboration with an international development partner, the World Bank, to accelerate the clearance of the power containers at the port to enhance the implementation of the project and improve the sector liquidity.
ALSO READ: Shell Plc to invest additional $20bn in Nigeria
He assured that the new smart metres would be distributed to the electricity customers in the country free of charge in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
The Minister also inspected the progress of work at Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) 2x60MVA GIS Transmission Substation in Apapa being rehabilitated by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The substation, on completion, is expected to improve power supply to Apapa and its environs.
The Minister rounded up the inspection visits to the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) National Meter Test Station (NMTS) in Oshodi, Lagos State.
Converseer reports that Adelabu is a challenger in the Oyo gubernatorial race. He has promised to restore stable electricity to Oyo.
