Key Points

• Power plants generate electricity, but weak power lines stop 2,275MW from reaching homes and businesses.

• Old transmission systems block over 33 percent of available power across the country.

• Gas pipeline damage and grid limits continue to cause blackouts, especially in the North.

Nigeria is still struggling with poor electricity supply. Even when power plants can make electricity, much of it does not get to homes and businesses.

Recent data show that stranded power rose to 2,275 megawatts by December 2025. This means the power was available but could not be sent through the national grid. In 2021, stranded power was about 2,249 megawatts.

It dropped in 2022, went up again in 2023, fell a little in 2024, and then reached its highest level in 2025.

Old Power Lines Are the Main Problem

Power companies explain the biggest issue is the weak and old transmission system. They note about 33.6 percent of electricity made by power plants cannot be moved to users.

Because of this, power companies lose money and investors are not willing to build new plants, even though people need more electricity every day.

Electricity distribution companies state they are forced to share power in small amounts because the Transmission Company of Nigeria limits how much power they can take. This is why blackouts happen often across the country.

Gas Problems Made Things Worse

In December 2025, vandals damaged gas pipelines that supply power plants. This caused less electricity to be produced during the Christmas period.

Many homes and businesses were left without light at a time when people needed it most.

The Nigerian Independent System Operator confirmed the gas problem affected many gas-powered plants and reduced power on the national grid.

After the damaged gas pipeline was fixed, power supply improved. Gas started flowing again to key power plants. Still, electricity remains unstable in many parts of Nigeria.

Officials maintain there is no shortage of power generation, but the problem is moving the power and sharing it properly.

Experts Say The Problem Runs Deep

Experts stress the power problem is not just about gas. They point to weak power lines, unstable grid systems, poor gas transport, and weak distribution networks.

They also add lack of money in the sector makes it hard for power plants to work well.

Power companies insist they are ready to produce more electricity, but they cannot do it alone.

Without steady gas, strong power lines, good distribution, and full payment, much of the available power will continue to be wasted.