Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has blamed persistent electricity shortages in four states, including Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory, on maintenance work, gas supply constraints and sabotage of key transmission lines.

Mr Tegbe disclosed this in a statement on Friday saying the challenges had reduced electricity generation on the national grid and forced operation team to introduce load shedding in affected areas.

He cited scheduled maintenance at Egbin Power Station and inadequate gas supply to some thermal power stations as major contributors to the decline in power generation.

The minister also blamed sabotage of critical transmission lines as factor affecting electricity supply particularly in Lagos.

Mr Tegbe said his team was working with power operators to restore affected generating units in phases, with the first units expected to return to service within 48 to 72 hours.

He added that efforts were ongoing to improve gas supply and speed up repairs to damaged infrastructure.

He apologised to affected households and businesses, thanking them for their patience as the government works to restore electricity supply.