Ikeja Electric has blamed a shortfall in its national grid allocation for the recent drop in electricity supply across its Lagos network, a notice issued on Monday, October 5, 2026, has revealed. The distribution company, which serves customers across several parts of Lagos, said the reduced supply is not due to a fault within its own distribution network but is linked to the limited amount of electricity currently available to it from the national grid. The announcement, published on the company's official social media platforms, including its X account @ikejaelectric, has drawn sharp criticism from customers who report over 160 hours without power in the past week.
Company Cites Grid Allocation Shortfall
In the public notice, Ikeja Electric stated that the reduced hours of electricity supply are a direct result of the power allocated to its network from the national grid. "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 company said. It apologised for the disruption and appealed to customers for patience and understanding.
The distribution company also said it was actively engaging relevant stakeholders to improve the available power supply. "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," Ikeja Electric stated. The company further said it remained committed to keeping customers informed as the situation develops.
Customers Report Prolonged Darkness
The notice quickly drew backlash from customers who said the reality on the ground was far worse than the term "reduced hours" suggested. A customer identified as @ChristianoDivi1 wrote on social media: "The situation here is not that of reduced hours. We no even see light at all and you people are talking of reduced hours. More than 160hrs of darkness in the last one week and you people are talking of REDUCED? Nawa oooo. Hope say our power minister dey hear all these one sha?"
Another customer, @the_temiloluwa, questioned the timing of the announcement, asking: "So we have to now demand for reasons as to why there is no electricity for 3 days before you guys inform us of what is happening???!! Kaiiii. We are cooked in this country." A third customer, @IamDx2, raised broader concerns about Lagos's dependence on the national grid, stating: "Every 3 months there is a shortage in national grid. Lagos state is surrounded by waters but yet Lagos state is relaying on National power supply. For how long will this continue?"
Isheri Community Alleges No Supply Since October 1
Some customers disputed the "reduced hour" framing altogether. @sapphire_nifemi wrote: "Reduced hour keh? I never get 1hour light since last week Thursday. Wetin una no Dey do before. Send petrol money to me." Another customer, @olaolu_ayo63077, specifically called out the situation in Isheri community, alleging the area had received no supply since October 1. "If you are too big to serve Nigeria, withdraw your franchise and let a genuine investor take over, as there has been no supply since October 1st," they wrote.
The latest development comes amid renewed concerns over electricity supply in parts of the Ikeja Electric franchise area, with some customers experiencing fewer hours of power than expected. Legit.ng had previously reported that Ikeja Electric apologised to some Band A customers after failing to meet the expected minimum service level on some Band A feeders on September 30 and October 1. The company's response to the current situation will determine whether it can restore confidence among its customers, many of whom are demanding more transparent communication and faster action to resolve the power shortage.
