Lights Out Nation: Heatwave, Gas Shortages and Failing Grid Deepen Blackouts

From Kano to Lagos, Nigerians report near-daily blackouts as a severe heatwave worsens hardship. Many homes get one to three hours of power, some get none. Even Band A customers say supply falls far below the promised 20 hours. Families and businesses are switching to generators and solar. The toll is heavy. Shops are closing. Food is spoiling. Bills are rising despite poor supply. Artisans and small firms say production is stalling. Anger is spilling onto social media, with memes mocking the Minister of Power and the billing culture of DisCos. Experts say the crisis is structural. Actual generation often stays below 4,000MW, far short of demand. Grid failures, weak transmission and chronic underinvestment persist. Gas shortages are forcing GenCos to cut output, and DisCos are ramping up load shedding. At Aso Rock, a N17bn solar project is still in testing. Officials say it aims to cut diesel costs, not exit the grid. Budget data show soaring fuel and maintenance spending after subsidy removal. A billing review also flagged possible overcharges from AEDC.

Use The App To Win ₦1m

Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.