Lagos to Ogun brace for nine‑hour power outage—that’s been the buzz on the street since yesterday evening when Ikeja Electric and Eko Disco issued public notices warning about 25 days of blackout. From 8 am to 5 pm daily, residents of Lagos and Ogun—including Agbara and Sagamu—are facing enforced darkness for maintenance on the Omotosho–Ikeja West transmission line.

As someone in Ikeja, I’ve already felt it myself. Lights flickered off sharp at 8 am, and generators roared into life everywhere. The silence on the street is eerie, especially in offices and markets that rely on grid power. My neighbour in Alimosho texted me at 11 am: “Una don lose light o!”

🛠️ Why It’s Happening

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) is carrying out essential work—installing Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) on the critical 330 kV corridor between Omotosho and Ikeja West. Officials say the upgrade is vital to improve the grid’s real‑time monitoring via SCADA technology.

DisCos confirmed the interruption period runs July 28 to August 21, daily from 8 am to 5 pm. They assure customers power will be restored at 5 pm daily, after each maintenance session.

💰 Impact & Reaction

I spoke with a small-scale business operator in Agege, and he’s already worried: “If this carry on, na billions we go lose. Me, I go need diesel die.” Industry leaders echo the same fear, estimating massive revenue losses for SMEs and larger businesses during peak hours.

But civil servants in Ikeja told me it’s worth it—if this upgrade strengthens the network, they say, future blackouts may reduce. “Better make we endure now than continue dey suffer irregular supply,” said one.