Nigeria’s national electricity grid suffered repeated collapses and severe system disturbances in 2025, plunging large parts of the country into darkness and underscoring deep-seated structural weaknesses in the power sector. Verified records from industry operators, regulators, and independent reporting confirm that the national grid experienced three major collapses between January and December 2025, alongside several partial disruptions, raising serious concerns about grid reliability as the country approaches 2026.

The incidents, which affected households, businesses, and critical infrastructure nationwide, occurred amid ongoing debates between system operators and sector stakeholders over how grid failures are defined, reported, and managed.

A Year of Repeated grid failures

Throughout 2025, Nigeria’s electricity supply remained unstable, marked by sudden outages linked to grid collapses or system disturbances. While officials at times disputed whether some incidents amounted to “full collapses,” independent system data and widespread outages confirmed nationwide impacts on multiple occasions.

The first major collapse occurred in January, barely weeks into the new year, setting the tone for what would become another difficult year for electricity consumers.

JANUARY 11: FIRST COLLAPSE OF 2025

On January 11, 2025, Nigeria’s national grid collapsed, triggering widespread blackouts across the country. Data from the Independent System Operator showed that power generation dropped sharply around 1:56 p.m., forcing distribution companies to shut down supply to consumers.

The incident was widely reported as the first full grid collapse of the year, coming on the heels of multiple failures recorded in 2024. Although some officials later described the event as a system disturbance, the scale of the outage and nationwide loss of supply confirmed its severity.

SEPTEMBER 10: MID-YEAR SYSTEM FAILURE

The second major incident occurred on September 10, 2025, when a generation unit tripped, setting off a cascade of failures across the transmission network. The collapse led to a sharp drop in electricity load nationwide.

The grid operator confirmed that restoration efforts began immediately, with supply gradually returning to parts of the country, starting with Abuja and other priority locations. The incident once again exposed the grid’s vulnerability to sudden generation losses.

DECEMBER 29: YEAR-END COLLAPSE

Barely days to the end of the year, the national grid suffered another major collapse on December 29, 2025, leaving most parts of Nigeria without electricity.

Available data showed that power generation fell from about 4,800 megawatts to below 150 megawatts, with nine out of eleven electricity distribution companies receiving zero power allocation at the peak of the crisis. Only Abuja and Ibadan DisCos received minimal supply during the outage.

While some official statements referred to the incident as a “partial collapse” or “system disturbance,” the widespread blackout and scale of generation loss led most industry observers and media organisations to classify it as a full systemic collapse.

HOW MANY TIMES DID THE GRID COLLAPSE IN 2025?

Based on verified reporting and system data, three major national grid collapses were recorded in 2025:

January 11, 2025 – Nationwide blackout following grid collapse

September 10, 2025 – Collapse triggered by generation unit tripping

December 29, 2025 – Severe year-end collapse affecting most DisCos

In addition to these incidents, several partial collapses and grid disturbances were reported throughout the year.

A COMPARISON WITH PREVIOUS YEARS

Although 2025 recorded fewer confirmed full collapses than 2024, which witnessed between eight and twelve grid failures depending on classification, experts warn that the reduction does not indicate system stability.

Over the past decade, Nigeria’s power grid has experienced more than 100 collapse incidents, reflecting persistent structural and operational challenges within the electricity supply industry.

WHY THE GRID KEEPS FAILING

Generation–Transmission Imbalance

Experts explain that the grid requires a delicate balance between power generation and demand. Sudden losses in generation — often caused by plant tripping or gas shortages — destabilise system frequency and voltage, leading to collapse.

Aging Infrastructure

Large sections of Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure are outdated, overstretched, and lack sufficient redundancy. This makes the grid fragile and unable to absorb shocks.

Gas Supply Constraints and Vandalism

Gas shortages, frequently linked to pipeline vandalism and supply disruptions, continue to limit generation capacity. Attacks on transmission towers also weaken the network and increase the risk of failure.

Operational and Reporting Gaps

Differences in how system operators, regulators, and the media classify grid incidents have led to confusion and public mistrust. Experts argue that transparent, real-time reporting is essential for accountability and reform.

ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL IMPACT

The repeated grid failures have imposed heavy costs on households and businesses, forcing reliance on expensive alternatives such as diesel and petrol generators. Manufacturers, hospitals, schools, and small businesses have been particularly affected, raising concerns about productivity, healthcare delivery, and overall economic growth.

Investors have also expressed concern about the reliability of Nigeria’s electricity supply, viewing persistent grid instability as a major risk to long-term investment.

GOVERNMENT AND REGULATORY RESPONSES

Authorities have acknowledged the challenges and announced measures aimed at improving grid resilience, including discussions around infrastructure upgrades, enhanced system controls, and improved security for transmission assets.

Regulatory agencies have also continued efforts to reform the electricity market and strengthen operational standards, though progress has been slow.

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026

As Nigeria enters 2026, experts warn that without urgent and coordinated reforms, grid collapses may continue. Rising electricity demand, combined with aging infrastructure and security challenges, could further strain the system.

Key recommendations include:

* Modernising transmission infrastructure

* Expanding spinning reserves and system redundancy

* Improving gas supply security

* Enhancing transparency and real-time grid reporting

Nigeria’s experience in 2025 shows that while the frequency of full grid collapses may have declined compared to the previous year, the power system remains fragile. With three confirmed national grid collapses and multiple disturbances, the year underscores the urgent need for structural reforms, sustained investment, and transparent system management.

Without decisive action, Nigeria risks entering 2026 with the same vulnerabilities that have kept millions in darkness for years.