By Kingston Magare 30.4.2026
Lagos and its environs have been thrown into prolong blackout as the Egbin Power Station near Ikorodu Lagos has suffered a sudden shutdown.
According to the operator of the plant the Nigerian Independent System Operator, there was a significant malfunction which has affected power generation. The shutdown incident of the 641 megawatts generating plant occurred on April 28 at about 8.21pm
“The Nigerian Independent System Operator wishes to inform the general public of a significant reduction in power generation currently affecting electricity supply across the country, particularly within the Lagos region,” said a statement made available to the media by the operator.
“Egbin Power Station, which is the largest electricity-generating plant on the national grid and a major contributor to daily power supply in Nigeria, experienced a major operational disturbance.
“At approximately 8:21 p.m. on April 28, 2026, Egbin Power Station recorded a total loss of generation, dropping from about 641MW to zero output.
“This incident was caused by the failure of the plant’s central compressor, in addition to a malfunction of the circulating water pump system, which necessitated an immediate shutdown of all generating units to safeguard the facility.”
According to the operator the shutdown is happening at period Lagos was experiencing a short supply in electric power.
“Power supply to the Lagos region is currently further restricted due to the forced outage of the Osogbo–Ikeja West 330kV transmission line, thereby limiting the evacuation of available generation into the Lagos load centre.
“Consequently, this loss of generation has created a significant supply shortfall, necessitating immediate load-shedding measures to maintain grid stability and prevent a wider system disturbance,” the statement added.
The organisation said there are efforts being made to source for power from other available plants.
“In addition, efforts are ongoing to optimise generation from other available power plants to mitigate the impact of this development on electricity consumers.
“We acknowledge the inconvenience this situation has caused electricity consumers, especially within Lagos and surrounding areas, and we assure the public that all relevant stakeholders are working closely to resolve the situation as quickly as possible,” it added.
The gas powered Egbin Power Station, has an installed capacity of over 1,300MW, but through the years have yet to operate to full capacity.