As of April 2026, the disparity in power allocation across the federation remains a significant hurdle for many regions.
While industrial hubs like Lagos and Ogun, along with the FCT, receive the bulk of the available supply, several states continue to grapple with the lowest allocations from the national grid.
Based on recent operational factsheets and regional dispatch reports from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), here are the states currently receiving the least power allocation.
1. Yobe State
Located in the far North-East, Yobe consistently ranks among the states with the lowest grid presence. Much of the state remains unserved by the national high-voltage transmission lines, leading to a heavy reliance on localized generators and burgeoning solar mini-grid projects.
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The Situation: Reports indicate that many rural communities in Yobe have historically received near-zero MW allocation during grid instability periods.
2. Taraba State
Despite being home to the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project site, Taraba State receives very little power from the national grid. The state’s rugged terrain and underdeveloped transmission infrastructure mean that only the state capital, Jalingo, and a few major towns see any significant grid energy.
3. Jigawa State
Jigawa often falls into the “underserved” category due to its position at the tail end of several transmission lines. While the state government has aggressively pursued independent solar power initiatives, the grid allocation remains one of the lowest in the country.
4. Ebonyi State
Within the South-East region, Ebonyi frequently receives the smallest share of power dispatched via the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC). During periods of low generation, the state’s allocation can drop to levels that barely sustain essential services in Abakaliki.
5. Zamfara State
Ongoing security challenges and aging infrastructure have severely limited the distribution of grid power to Zamfara. The state’s energy poverty is a frequent subject of NERC reports, which highlight the vast “unserved” areas within the state.
6. Sokoto State
Like its neighbor Zamfara, Sokoto sits in a region that experiences significant transmission losses. The state often struggles with “Band E” service levels, where residents receive as little as four to six hours of power daily from the national grid.
7. Kebbi State
While Kebbi has been part of international power agreements (supplying the Niger Republic), domestic distribution to the state’s own residents remains low. It is frequently cited as one of the states where mini-grid regulations are most needed to fill the gap left by the national grid.
The Current 2026 Context
The Electricity Act 2023 and subsequent reforms in 2025/2026 have empowered states to move away from sole reliance on the national grid. As of April 2026, 15 states—including Enugu, Ekiti, Ondo, and Lagos—have already begun the process of regulating their own electricity markets to bypass these grid limitations.
The NERC Mini-Grid Regulations 2026 were also recently issued to address these “unserved and underserved” areas. As NERC stated in their April 13, 2026, regulatory document:
“The regulation aims to accelerate rural electrification, attract private investment, and ensure fair tariffs… in areas currently unserved or underserved by the power-generating distribution companies.”
This suggests that for the states listed above, the future of power may lie in decentralized, state-led initiatives rather than the traditional national grid.
