How epileptic power supply is shaping daily life in Ibadan

By David Olatunji 

Ibadan, one of the largest cities in Nigeria, has been thrown into darkness for many weeks, forcing residents to struggle with irregular electricity supply. Across the ancient city are entrepreneurs, traders, food and provision vendors switching on generators, and for many who could afford solar power, they opted for it.

However, one thing stands out, which is how the alternatives are affecting their daily income, as they spend more money on installing solar panels, buying fuel, amidst the ongoing hike in premium motor spirit (PMS).

Remote workers in Ibadan cry out

For many remote workers in Ibadan, the ongoing power outage has led to missing deadlines, loss of potential income and opportunities, among several others. While speaking to The Lagos Voice, Promise, a freelancer who currently resides around Apata in Ibadan, describes the situation as terrible, disappointing, and a total downgrade from what it used to be, before now.

Promise expounds on how it affects his daily routine as a remote worker: “I have to go and charge my powerbank outside with a huge amount because I can’t put on my generator at all times due to the increase in fuel prices.”

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Also, Promise attributed the impact of the power outage to low productivity in his daily work tasks. “I spend time worrying about the remaining battery on my gadgets and if I can meet up,” he said.

In the same sentiment, Ifeoluwa Popoola, a remote worker who recently moved to Ibadan and currently resides around Akala Express, describes the ongoing power outage as an “ugly monster.”

Ifeoluwa added how the irregularity has affected her remote job and related gigs; “I have missed meetings since I got here due to power issues. I think that’s one of the things that contributed to the loss of my job recently because I am always taking an excuse to be away.”

Additionally, Ifeoluwa explained the smartest strategies she has been using to cope with the irregular electricity. “These days, I’ve learned to minimise my phone usage, including my PC. When I have no business online, I preserve my battery for other important tasks, most specifically for my remote job.”

Impact of the irregular electricity on household activities among Ibadan residents 

Many households in Ibadan, who mostly use power supply to leverage their daily activities like cooking, charging, and even making household chores easier and faster. Frustrated Ibadan residents can be seen describing the prolonged blackouts as disrupting daily routines, household well-being, and general life.

Many echo similar household impacts, which include spoiled goods, security concerns in dark homes, and businesses/home-based activities bleeding from lack of power.

According to a resident of Elebu who spoke to The Lagos Voice on a condition of anonymity, her personal upkeep in her home has been tiring, far from norms. “I do fetch water from the well because there is no light to pump, and I can’t use the washing machine either,” said the Elebu resident.

Oluwapelumi, a resident and cake vendor in Ibadan, on 9th March 2026, expresses her dissatisfaction through a viral post on X (formerly Twitter) saying; “I can’t even buy fuel for the generator because how much am I making? I need light to pump water, to wash. I can’t even buy basic food items because there’s no light to preserve them.”

Also, Akinwunmi ‘Ola Alagbe, a resident of Ayegun Oleyo in Ibadan, on 28th of February, 2026, shared via his X (formerly Twitter) about the impact of the power outage, raising security issues, and tagging the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company.

“@IBEDC_NG Please, you need to tell us what we did wrong in Ayegun Ọlẹyọ, Ibadan, for the past 6 days of total blackout. Your 1/2 hours once a week is now 0 hours. We don’t even know which band you place us in. We can’t pump; the whole house is smelling; security challenges, another wahala,” Akinwunmi wrote.

Cause of power outage in Ibadan and other franchise — IBEDC

Notably, the recent power outage has not only affected Ibadan but also other states under the IBEDC franchise, ranging from Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Kwara, and parts of Kogi, Niger, Ekiti states.

According to Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC)’s official statement, as reported by Punch on March 7, 2026, the primary cause includes systemic issues ranging from shortages of gas supply from the national level, causing increased load shedding across IBEDC’s network.

However, IBEDC has apologized for the inconvenience to homes, businesses, and economic activities, appealed for dialogue over protests, and assured ongoing engagements with communities and stakeholders.

Ibadan residents calls for change across the city 

As Ibadan continues to grow as a commercial and educational hub, residents say reliable electricity is no longer a luxury, it is essential for education, innovation, and economic survival.

Following several outcry and online protests, Ibadan residents are equally calling for adequate and prompt response from the government, distribution companies, charging for change, improvement, or an end to epileptic/power outages. They emphasized prolonged blackouts affecting homes, businesses, and daily life, with threats of escalation if demands aren’t met.