EKEDC Declares Emergency Shutdown at Ijora Transmission Station, Triggering Major Power Disruption in Lagos
The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has officially announced an emergency shutdown of the Ijora Transmission Station, resulting in a significant and temporary power outage across numerous areas in Lagos. This decision, prompted by a critical technical fault, has left several communities and vital infrastructure without electricity, with the company advising affected customers to exercise patience as restoration work progresses swiftly.
Technical Fault Leads to Immediate Supply Interruption
In a power update released on April 5, 2026, via social media platform X, EKEDC disclosed that the emergency shutdown was necessitated by a cut jumper at the 132kV bus section of the Ijora Transmission Station. This fault caused an immediate interruption of electricity supply from the station, disrupting power to a wide range of locations. The distribution company emphasized that its technical team is actively engaged in resolving the issue to restore normal supply as quickly as possible, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
List of Affected Areas and Key Institutions
The power blackout has impacted a extensive list of communities and critical establishments in Lagos. Affected areas include Ajele, Isale Eko, parts of Idumagbo, Ijora, Otto, Apapa Road, Ebute, Badia, and their surrounding environs. Notably, major financial institutions such as UBA, Wema Bank, Union Bank, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and First Bank Marina have also experienced electricity disruptions. Additionally, all feeders connected to the Badia, Ijora Causeway, New Customs, and Ajele Injection Substations are affected, compounding the outage's reach across the region.
EKEDC's Statement and Customer Assurance
In a formal statement, EKEDC addressed its valued customers, explaining the cause of the shutdown and outlining the impacted zones. The company expressed sincere regret for any inconveniences caused and urged customers to bear with them during this period. "We wish to inform you that there has been an emergency shutdown of the Ijora Transmission Station due to a cut jumper at the 132kV bus section. As a result, supply from the station has been temporarily interrupted," the statement read. It further assured that ongoing efforts are focused on restoring normal electricity supply promptly, thanking customers for their understanding and continued patience.
Broader Context of Power Sector Challenges
This incident occurs against a backdrop of ongoing disputes within Nigeria's power sector. Recently, the Federal Government and electricity generation companies have been at odds over the true value of outstanding debts, with conflicting figures presented by each side. Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has indicated that the amount owed to generation companies is still under review, potentially being closer to N4 trillion rather than the widely reported N6.3 trillion. Adelabu has also apologized to Nigerians for persistent power outages, acknowledging the broader challenges facing the nation's electricity infrastructure.
