Unstable Power Supply Sparks Frustration Among Residents in Gusau
TEC News|Gusau| 21st February, 2026.
Residents of Gusau have continued to express deep concern over persistent electricity instability, describing the situation as disruptive to household routines, businesses, and public services.
Across several parts of the city, residents report a pattern of erratic supply marked by repeated outages. Electricity, they say, often goes off for two to three hours, returns briefly, and then fails again. In some neighbourhoods, outages reportedly extend beyond 48 hours, with supply remaining unstable even after restoration.
“It’s difficult to plan anything,” said a resident. “When power eventually comes, the voltage fluctuates so badly that many of us are afraid to use our appliances.”
Small business owners, particularly those dependent on refrigeration, welding, and other power-intensive activities, say they have been forced to rely heavily on generators, leading to increased operating costs.
In addition to supply challenges, residents voiced dissatisfaction with billing practices. Many argue that electricity bills remain high despite the inconsistent service.
“We barely have steady light, yet the bills suggest otherwise,” another resident complained. “There should be fairness and transparency.”
Some residents also raised concerns about the perceived quality of technical service delivery. They questioned whether employment and staffing processes within the power sector sufficiently prioritise merit and professional competence.
“There is a growing perception that not all technical roles are filled strictly on merit,” a community member stated. “People worry that if qualified professionals are not adequately engaged, resolving technical faults and maintaining infrastructure becomes more difficult.”
While these views reflect public sentiment, no official evidence was provided to substantiate claims regarding recruitment practices.
Energy experts note that power instability remains a widespread challenge across Nigeria, often linked to aging infrastructure, grid limitations, and distribution constraints. They emphasise that strengthening technical capacity, improving infrastructure, and ensuring consumer confidence through transparent billing are essential steps toward long-term stability.
Attempts to reach relevant electricity authorities for comments were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
Residents in Zamfara State are urging power providers and regulators to intervene swiftly, warning that continued instability could further affect economic activities and living standards.