Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has announced that Nigeria’s average power generation has fallen to about 4,300 megawatts (MW) due to inadequate gas supply to thermal power plants.
In a statement issued on Friday, the system operator said the sharp drop in electricity output is largely linked to gas constraints affecting thermal generating stations, which make up the bulk of Nigeria’s energy mix.
“We hereby notify the general public and all market participants that the current average available generation of approximately 4,300MW is primarily due to inadequate gas supply to thermal generating stations,” the statement said.
Nigeria has continued to grapple with persistent grid collapses and unstable electricity supply, disrupting businesses and households nationwide and pushing many consumers to depend on generators and solar alternatives.
Earlier, on February 12, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) indicated that electricity supply could be affected as Seplat scheduled a four-day maintenance exercise on its gas facilities. The maintenance, which ran from February 12 to 15, was expected to temporarily reduce gas availability to some power generation companies.
Gas Supply Far Below Requirement
According to NISO, thermal power plants require approximately 1,629.75 million standard cubic feet (MMSCF) of gas daily to operate at optimal capacity.
However, as of February 23, 2026, actual gas supply stood at about 692.00 MMSCF per day — less than 43 percent of the required volume.
“The available gas supply represents less than 43% of the required volume, resulting in constrained generation output. The current low generation level is fundamentally driven by inadequate gas supply to thermal generating units, leading to reduced energy allocation to the DisCos,” NISO stated.
Load Shedding Unavoidable
The operator explained that when overall system generation drops significantly, it must implement load shedding across the national grid to maintain stability and prevent widespread system disturbances.
It added that electricity is being distributed in line with the Market Rules of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), following approved allocation percentages across distribution networks.
“When total system generation drops significantly, the Independent System Operator must implement load shedding across the system, while dispatching available energy in line with the NERC MYTO allocation percentages across all distribution networks to maintain grid stability and prevent system disturbances,” the statement added.
NISO acknowledged the inconvenience caused to consumers and market participants, assuring that it is working closely with relevant stakeholders to restore full energy allocation once gas supply improves and generation capacity stabilises.
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