Nigeria's national electricity grid collapsed for the first time in 2026, plunging the entire country into darkness. Data from the Nigerian Independent System Operator showed power generation dropped to 0 megawatts at about 1:00 pm, indicating a total shutdown of the grid.
The collapse triggered widespread blackouts across the country, with all 11 electricity distribution companies recording zero allocation. Consumers reported loss of power shortly after midday, disrupting businesses, households, and public services. The complete shutdown affected consumers nationwide.
Grid failures in Nigeria are often linked to inadequate generation capacity, transmission constraints, frequency instability, gas supply challenges, and technical faults within the transmission network. The national grid has suffered repeated collapses in recent years, raising concerns about the resilience of the country's power infrastructure.