Nigeria's power cut as four plants shut down

The nation's rickety power grid is commonly cited as an issue hindering growth in Africa's largest economy

A train rolls past the newly built multi-storey mega bus terminal, Oshodi Transport Interchange, Nigeria's busiest transport interchange, with over 13 parks and 5,600 buses loading per day in Lagos on April 24, 2019.   The multi-storey Oshodi transport interchange constructed at a whopping sum of 70 million US Dollars , according to Lagos State government, has standard facilities including waiting area, loading bays, taxi and car parks, passenger lounge for intercity commuters, ticketing stands, drivers lounge, parking areas, rest rooms, accessible walkways and pedestrian sky-walks linking all the three terminals. / AFP / PIUS UTOMI EKPEI
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Nigeria's power generation has been significantly reduced due to a gas pipeline leak that forced the shutdown of four power stations, the nation's grid operator said on Friday.

The closure of the Egbin, Omotosho, Olorunsogo and Paras power stations highlights the precarious electricity supply in a nation where power cuts are endemic.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) said the four power stations were completely shut down on Thursday for emergency maintenance on the gas pipeline supplying them.

In a statement, TCN said the issue was caused by leakage on the Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System gas pipeline, but that operator Nigerian Gas Company had already repaired the line.

"Repairs have been completed and the pipeline is currently being pressurised prior to resumption of gas supply to the affected power stations," TCN said in a statement.

NGC, a subsidiary of state oil company NNPC, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The nation's rickety power grid is commonly cited as an issued hindering growth in the continent's largest economy.