Weeks of Darkness in Northern Nigeria: 7 States Hit by Repeated Power Outages as Jos–Gombe Line Shuts Down

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Millions of residents across northern Nigeria are bracing for weeks of frustrating power outages after authorities announced the shutdown of the vital Jos–Gombe 330kV transmission line.

The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) confirmed that electricity supply will be disrupted every week from Thursday to Sunday, between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., from April 9 through May 22, 2026.

The outage is expected to heavily impact seven states — Plateau, Gombe, Bauchi, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, and Yobe — leaving homes, businesses, and essential services struggling with little to no power for up to nine hours daily during the affected days.

These regions depend largely on the Jos–Gombe transmission corridor, making the disruption particularly severe for customers under the Jos Electricity Distribution Company and Yola Electricity Distribution Company.

According to NISO, the shutdown is part of a nationwide effort to modernise the power grid. The project involves installing advanced Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) fibre optic cables to improve communication, enable real-time monitoring, and reduce future grid failures.

But while officials say the upgrade will strengthen Nigeria’s fragile electricity system in the long run, the immediate reality for millions is weeks of darkness.

Businesses are expected to face rising operating costs as reliance on generators increases, while hospitals and critical services may be forced to depend on backup power to remain operational. Residents, already dealing with inconsistent electricity, say the new schedule adds to growing frustration over the country’s power challenges.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) stated that alternative supply routes may be explored where possible but warned that full and stable power may not return until the project is completed in late May.

Energy analysts note that although infrastructure upgrades are necessary, repeated outages continue to highlight the vulnerability of Nigeria’s power system — where improvements often come with short-term hardship for consumers.

For now, millions across the affected states are being advised to prepare for extended outages and make alternative energy arrangements as the country pushes forward with critical grid improvements.

This is a developing story.