As Nigeria’s commercial hub, Lagos is home to thousands of businesses, banks, hospitals, manufacturers, and residents who rely heavily on daily electricity. The 25-Day Blackout blackout announced by Ikeja Electric and Eko Electricity Distribution is expected to impact productivity and increase operational costs across board. The Nation Digest News reports that the move, while necessary for grid maintenance, has drawn mixed reactions from both experts and the public.
Economic Shockwaves in the Making
The Lagos, Ogun 25-day blackout has raised alarms among business owners and industry experts who fear significant financial losses. Dr. Muda Yusuf, Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), captured the gravity of the situation, he noted that this prolonged outage will put immense pressure on alternative energy sources, driving up costs and reducing business hours for many establishments.
“Some businesses cannot afford to shut down. We’re talking about hotels, hospitals, supermarkets, and manufacturers that operate round the clock. These businesses will now rely on diesel or gas, which are much more expensive than grid power,” he explained.
Dr. Yusuf also highlighted that the blackout will significantly impact the bottom line of businesses. “The cost will run into hundreds of billions of Naira,” he said.
Electricity in Lagos isn’t just about keeping the lights on. It powers an entire economic ecosystem. With an estimated N13 trillion spent monthly on electricity in Lagos, even a short disruption can ripple through the state’s economy. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s Q1 2025 report also shows that Ikeja Electric and Eko DisCo recorded the highest revenue collection, pulling in N101 billion and N105 billion respectively. This blackout, therefore, also presents a revenue challenge for these companies.
@tywoh00 put it bluntly: “Imagine what would happen to many businesses under the 25-Day blackout. Those that are even surviving based on the little light they see to manage their incomes… This could cause an increase in price of services if it solely depends on generators, which may not come down again.”
That’s a real concern. With generator usage becoming the default, the cost of running businesses will increase, and consumers will likely bear the burden. For small businesses that already operate on thin margins, this could be the final straw.
Still, not everyone views the blackout with despair. @Chrisdaramola_1 shared a more optimistic perspective: “I’ll give it to them. The power supply has really improved lately. But it needs to be maintained so it doesn’t deteriorate again.”
There’s truth in that. In recent months, there has been a noticeable improvement in power supply, thanks in part to increased efforts by power distribution companies. The decision to invest in transmission line maintenance, though painful, could prevent even bigger failures down the road. Nigeria’s national grid has experienced repeated collapses in the past due to outdated infrastructure and poor investment.
Dr. Yusuf echoed this view, admitting that while the impact will be tough, the sacrifice may be necessary. “The performance of the grid has been poor due to poor investment, maintenance, and ageing facilities. So if the TCN is now committed to maintaining it, it’s a sacrifice that needs to be made,” he added.
Also Read: 12-Day Power Outage at Ikeja NAF Base Sparks National Security Fears, Bomp Explosion.
Real People, Real Problems
For many residents and entrepreneurs, the Lagos, Ogun 25-day blackout is more than just a headline. It’s a looming crisis. People are already calculating the cost of extra fuel, reduced business hours, and customer dissatisfaction. Hospitals will need to power life-saving equipment round the clock. Banks and fintech platforms will require constant electricity to ensure digital operations don’t come to a halt.
In a city like Lagos where time is money, hours without power could mean lost clients, broken supply chains, and damaged goods. For those in manufacturing, an eight-hour daily halt in production is not something easily absorbed.
We also can’t ignore the psychological toll. Extended periods of heat without fans or air conditioning, disrupted sleep cycles, and increased noise pollution from generators all contribute to a decline in overall well-being.
Yet, despite the tension and anxiety, the need for long-term power grid reliability remains pressing. Grid maintenance is not just technical work; it’s a cornerstone for sustainable development. In that sense, the blackout is both a crisis and an opportunity.
As Nigerians prepare to weather these 25 days, we must ask: can our resilience and innovation as a people help us turn this challenge into progress? And what lessons will be learned to ensure power supply becomes more reliable for all?
Where Do We Go From Here?
The Lagos, Ogun 25-day blackout is more than just a temporary inconvenience. It’s a wake-up call. While the Transmission Company of Nigeria must be applauded for finally taking steps to maintain the aging grid infrastructure, there needs to be better planning and communication with those most affected.
Alternative power solutions should be explored and subsidized, especially for critical sectors like healthcare and education. Private-public partnerships could also play a role in cushioning the impact of future outages. And as everyday Nigerians navigate these difficult weeks, their voices, like those of @tywoh00 and @Chrisdaramola_1, must remain central to the conversation.
What are your thoughts on this issue? How will this blackout affect your daily routine or business? Share your experience and let’s keep this important conversation going.
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