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The National Control Center (NCC) in Oshogbo, responsible for overseeing operations of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), has issued a directive for power generation companies (GenCos) to shut down their operations from midnight until further notice. The shutdown follows a significant load rejection by Distribution Companies (DisCos), leading to power outages in several parts of Lagos and other areas.
Sources within the DisCos have cited gas supply constraints as the main reason for the declining generation capacity, which has left the national grid struggling to meet demand. Dr. Joy Ogaji, MD/CEO of the Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC), confirmed that the DisCos’ rejection of power prompted the NCC’s decision, as generated electricity was no longer being utilized.
The country’s installed generation capacity stands at approximately 13,000 MW, with the majority coming from thermal (gas) sources (87.5%) and the rest from hydropower (12.5%). However, only 3,500 MW to 5,000 MW is typically available for transmission due to infrastructure challenges, including significant technical and non-technical losses. The current crisis underscores ongoing vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s power sector.
