Operators say repairs on Escravos–Lagos pipeline nearing completion as government moves to restore generation
Electricity supply across Nigeria is expected to improve within the next 24 to 48 hours, according to the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), following a recent disruption triggered by an explosion on the Escravos–Lagos Gas Pipeline (ELP).
In a statement issued on Tuesday, NISO said the incident led to a sharp decline in electricity generation nationwide after gas supply to several thermal power plants was interrupted.
The operator noted that the explosion caused multiple gas-fired power stations to scale down output, reducing available generation capacity on the national grid and resulting in widespread supply shortfalls to consumers.
NISO said it is working closely with the Nigerian Gas Processing and Transportation Company (NGPTC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, which is handling repairs on the damaged pipeline.
According to the system operator, NGPTC has assured that restoration work is nearing completion and that the pipeline is expected to become fully operational within 24 to 48 hours.
“It is expected that once the vandalised pipeline is restored, the affected power plants will resume operations, leading to improved electricity supply across the country,” NISO stated.
Earlier, NNPC Limited confirmed that coordinated containment measures had been successfully carried out at the site of the explosion, which occurred on December 15.
Power Minister Gives Assurance
Also speaking on Tuesday, Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, assured Nigerians that electricity supply would soon stabilise, describing the current situation as a temporary setback caused by reduced power generation.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, the minister said the supply disruption was linked to the pipeline explosion, compounded by acts of vandalism on critical gas infrastructure supplying thermal power plants.
Adelabu acknowledged the inconvenience being experienced by households and businesses, especially during the increased electricity demand associated with the Yuletide season.
He disclosed that he had held emergency meetings with key stakeholders in the power sector, including NISO, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), electricity generation companies (GenCos), distribution companies (DisCos), and officials of the Ministry of Power.
According to the minister, stakeholders at the meeting confirmed that repairs to the damaged pipelines would be completed within the next 24 to 48 hours, allowing gas supply to resume and power generation to ramp up.
Adelabu said he had directed all relevant agencies to intensify efforts and ensure strict compliance with the restoration timeline.
“We understand the frustration this has caused Nigerians, but the Federal Government is working round the clock to address the situation with urgency,” he said.
The minister expressed optimism that electricity supply would improve significantly within the stated timeframe, with a gradual return to normal levels thereafter.
Beyond the immediate response, Adelabu said the Federal Government is accelerating long-term measures to diversify the energy mix, strengthen grid resilience, and deploy advanced surveillance technologies to protect critical energy infrastructure from future disruptions.
About the Author
