Ikeja Electric has said that residents and businesses across Lagos are experiencing reduced electricity supply following a nationwide drop in power generation.
The company’s Head of Corporate Communications, Kingsley Okotie, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday that the disruption is largely due to insufficient gas supply to thermal power plants, which remain the primary source of electricity in the country.
“The ongoing reduction in electricity supply is largely due to a nationwide drop in power generation, caused by limited gas supply to thermal power plants. This has significantly reduced the energy available on the national grid and, consequently, the allocation to Ikeja Electric and other distribution companies,” he said.
Okotie noted that the shortfall has caused intermittent outages and load shedding across the company’s network. He assured customers that the management is committed to equitable and efficient distribution of the limited power available.
“The management regrets the inconvenience caused and appreciates the patience and understanding of our customers during this period. We remain committed to distributing the available power as efficiently and equitably as possible,” Okotie said, urging patience while national-level efforts to stabilise gas supply and power generation continue.
Residents and businesses have reported increasing reliance on generators, with rising operational costs. Mrs Kemi Adebayo, a frozen food trader, said she uses her generator more than public electricity to preserve goods, noting, “If there is no light, my goods spoil. If I use fuel, I lose profit. Either way, I am losing.”
Welder Mr Sani Ibrahim described the situation as unsustainable, adding, “We spend more on diesel than on raw materials. Sometimes, customers leave because we cannot deliver on time.”
Civil servant Mrs Roseline George highlighted the impact on daily life, saying, “It has been very hot, and there is no constant electricity supply. We rely on rechargeable fans and drink plenty of water.”
Experts warn that persistent challenges—including gas shortages, recurring grid disturbances, and sectoral debts—continue to constrain electricity generation, potentially limiting productivity and economic growth if not urgently addressed.
