By Olokuta Rofiat

Electricity distribution companies (DisCos), have begun restoring power nationwide following a national grid collapse that caused widespread outages on Monday afternoon.

Data from the Nigeria Independent System Operator (NISO), showed that the grid suffered a system disturbance at about 2:01 p.m. on December 29, 2025, leading to a sharp drop in power generation and near-total supply to most DisCos.

By about 8:00 p.m., generation had recovered to over 2,100 megawatts, allowing gradual restoration of electricity across the country.

Power sent to distribution companies was later increased to nearly 1,900 megawatts, indicating progress in stabilising the grid.

The blackout disrupted homes, businesses and essential services, again highlighting concerns over the fragility of Nigeria’s power infrastructure.

Industry experts have often blamed ageing transmission facilities, gas constraints and technical faults for recurring grid failures.

NISO said investigations into the cause of the collapse are ongoing, while DisCos continue efforts to fully normalise power supply nationwide.

By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has cautioned residents of Osun State against panic buying and storing petrol at home ahead of the Christmas season.

The agency also warned marketers against hoarding, diversion, and other sharp practices.

NMDPRA Osun Coordinator, Kunle Adeyemo, gave the warning on Thursday in Osogbo, assuring the public of adequate fuel supply throughout the festive period.

Adeyemo described storing petrol at home as a serious fire risk and said the authority has intensified surveillance of filling stations to enforce safety, quality, and quantity standards.

He warned that any marketer caught hoarding products, adjusting pumps, adulterating fuel, or engaging in unsafe practices would be sanctioned.

By Merciful Omoba

The rift between the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has widened following the suspension of salaries for engineers sacked in September amid an ongoing labour dispute.

Investigations by The PUNCH show that the workers’ salaries were stopped after many of them declined redeployment to other Dangote projects in Zamfara, Borno, Benue, Sokoto and other states.

Some were posted to coal mines, concrete road construction sites, and rice mills, but most rejected the offer, relying on PENGASSAN’s assurance of a negotiated settlement.

A senior Dangote Group official confirmed the salary halt, insisting the company could not continue paying workers who refused available placements.

“Those who accepted redeployment have resumed. Why should we keep paying those who declined alternative employment?” the official said.

The affected workers, however, described the move as victimisation. The salary freeze followed an earlier wage cut in October.

PENGASSAN said it is engaging the company to resolve the crisis amicably and avoid a fresh industrial action.

The dispute began in September when the union shut down oil and gas facilities nationwide, alleging that 800 workers were fired for joining the union, a claim Dangote refuted, saying only a few were dismissed for sabotage.

Following federal intervention, the company offered redeployment opportunities, with letters issued at its Ikeja office in October.