Ikeja Electric Explains Reduced Power Supply, Blames Shortfall in National Grid Allocation

Ikeja Electric Plc has attributed the reduction in electricity supply across its network to a shortfall in the power allocated to it from Nigeria's national grid. The electricity distribution company disclosed this in a public notice issued on Monday, October 19, 2026, as customers continued to experience fewer hours of electricity supply across areas covered by its network. In the notice signed by its management, the company said the quantity of electricity currently allocated to its network was insufficient to maintain the usual hours of supply. “We wish to inform customers across Ikeja Electric network that the reduced hours of electricity supply is due to a shortfall in the amount of power currently allocated to our network from the national grid,” the notice stated. The company acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the reduction and appealed to customers for patience and understanding. Ikeja Electric Engages Stakeholders Over Supply Ikeja Electric said it was engaging relevant stakeholders in the electricity sector to improve the amount of power available to its network. The company assured customers that it would continue distributing the electricity it received from the national grid as efficiently and fairly as possible. “Please be assured that we are actively engaging the relevant stakeholders to improve the available power supply and will continue to distribute the power received from the grid as efficiently and equitably as possible,” the statement added. The distribution company also pledged to keep customers informed as the situation developed. However, it did not specify when electricity supply would return to normal or provide a timeline for resolving the allocation shortfall. Power Allocation Continues to Affect Electricity Supply The latest explanation comes amid recurring electricity supply challenges affecting distribution companies across Nigeria. In a similar development earlier in October, Ikeja Electric attributed reduced supply hours to insufficient power allocation from the national grid. Other distribution companies have also reported supply restrictions linked to the amount of electricity available to their networks. TheCable reported on October 6 that several distribution companies had announced reductions in supply following shortfalls in their grid allocations. Data obtained from the Nigerian Independent System Operator showed that total allocation to the country's 11 distribution companies stood at approximately 3,998 megawatts on that day. The figures highlighted the constraints facing distribution companies as they share available electricity among customers across their respective networks. Earlier Shortages Linked to Gas Supply Nigeria's electricity supply challenges have also been associated with limited gas availability to thermal power plants, which account for a substantial share of the country's electricity generation. In March 2026, Ikeja Electric attributed a nationwide decline in power generation to insufficient gas supply, explaining that the reduction had lowered the electricity available on the national grid and, consequently, the quantity allocated to distribution companies. That earlier explanation identified a generation-related constraint, while the company's latest notice focuses on the shortfall in electricity allocated to its network. Although the two developments are related to electricity availability, the latest notice does not establish whether gas shortages are responsible for the current allocation shortfall. For households and businesses that depend on public electricity, reduced supply can mean longer periods without power and greater reliance on generators, fuel and other backup systems. Ikeja Electric said it would continue working with relevant stakeholders to improve supply but did not announce a specific date for the restoration of normal electricity hours.