Blackouts Hit Lagos, Osun as Power Lines Fail, Floods Damage Grid
By: Abudu Olalekan
Large parts of Lagos and Osun states are currently in darkness. And it’s not just one problem—it’s several.
Two major transmission lines serving Lagos have collapsed. Flooding has damaged key distribution facilities in Osun. The result? Widespread power outages that have left residents frustrated and desperate.
The Eko Electricity Distribution Company broke the news on Sunday. Electricity allocation to its network has been slashed following the outage of the Oshogbo-Ikeja 330kV transmission line and the Benin-Egbin 330kV transmission line. Load shedding is now being enforced across several business units.
The DisCo’s statement was brief. “Some business units may experience loadshedding. Cause: Grid Disruption.”
“Osogbo/Ikeja 330kV line down. The Benin/Egbin 330kV line is down. Impact: Reduction in grid allocation.”
EKEDC tried to reassure customers it was working with the national grid operator to restore normal supply once the affected transmission lines are fixed.
“We are in constant contact with the national grid operator and will restore supply as soon as the lines are back. Thank you for your patience,” the company stated.
But there’s a catch. The DisCo didn’t say when the transmission lines would be restored. They only mentioned they were engaging relevant authorities to normalise supply “as quickly as possible.”
More Trouble from Last Week’s Flooding
This latest crisis comes barely a week after the Transmission Company of Nigeria declared force majeure on its Oworonshoki 132/33kV and Lekki 330/132kV transmission substations. Severe flooding at those facilities was the culprit.
That flooding hasn’t stopped. It continues to disrupt electricity supply to several parts of Lagos, with EKEDC warning earlier that restoration would depend on when the affected transmission infrastructure becomes available again.
The list of affected areas is long. Very long.
Chevy View Estate, Chevron Drive, Agungi Area, Alpha Beach, Ikate, Elegushi Area, Carlton Gate, Kusenla, Victory Park Estate, Oniru, Maroko, Muri Okunola, Ajose Adeogun, Ligali Ayorinde and part of Aboyade Cole.
Then there’s Morinho Drive, Landmark Road, Igbo Efon, Lekki Tollgate 2 Area, Igbokusu, Gbangbala, Platinum Way, Jakande/Coastal Road, OADC/Mayegun Area, Ajiran environs, Chevron Alternative Area and Osapa London Area.
As of the time of filing this report, residents in parts of Lagos—including Lekki, Agbara and Festac—said they’d been experiencing prolonged outages. Their appeals for urgent restoration are getting louder.
Isi Okwuadi, a Festac resident, didn’t mince words. “What is the update on this current power outage, please? Complete blackout for four days running, on 21 Road, Festac. Please give us power to at least pump water.”
EKEDC’s response? Standard.
“Your area is currently experiencing reduced power supply due to a reduction in grid allocation. We are working to restore full supply and will update you as soon as this improves.”
Osun Battles Its Own Power Crisis
Meanwhile, things aren’t any better in Osun State.
The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company said flooding at the Ilerin Injection Substation—caused by a heavy windstorm—had disrupted electricity supply to several communities.
According to the DisCo, the flooding affected the Isare 11kV, Irogbo 11kV and Mount Carmel 11kV feeders. The result? Outages in Ifewara, Iwara, Bolorunduro, Irogbo, Ayeso, Odo-Oro, Wesley, Express Area, Ilerin, Irojo, Olomilagbala, Iwikun, Isare and surrounding communities.
“Our technical team is working to ensure power supply is restored. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience,” IBEDC said.
But apologies don’t power refrigerators. They don’t pump water or charge phones. And for residents who’ve been without electricity for days, patience is wearing thin.
The recurring pattern of transmission line failures and flooding-related outages raises questions about the resilience of Nigeria’s power infrastructure—especially as the rainy season intensifies.
For now, residents in Lagos and Osun can only wait. And hope the lights come back on
Olalekan A. Abudu is a seasoned and dedicated News Journalist at REPORTERS ROOM, with over eight years of experience. He specializes in politics, climate change, health, and education, while also covering security, economic, and judicial issues. Committed to accuracy and balanced reporting, Olalekan exemplifies the principles of public-interest journalism.
