KEY POINTS
- Nigeria’s power generation has dropped below 4,000MW due to persistent gas shortages.
- Thermal power plants are operating at about 40% of required gas capacity, causing shutdowns and supply gaps.
- NISO is coordinating with generation companies and gas suppliers to restore output and stabilize the national grid.
Nigeria’s electricity generation has fallen below the 4,000-megawatt mark due to ongoing gas supply challenges, the Nigerian Independent System Operator, NISO, reported on Thursday.
As of 5 a.m., the national grid was generating only 3,940.53 megawatts, reflecting the continued constraints on gas-fired power plants.
NISO explained that several generating units were forced to shut down between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. because of inadequate gas supply. This shutdown resulted in a total reduction of around 292MW in available generation during that period.
The situation represents a further decline from February 2026, when generation had already fallen to about 4,300MW due to similar supply limitations.
Gas supply falls far below required levels
Thermal power plants require roughly 1,588.61 million standard cubic feet per day to operate at optimal capacity. Current supplies stand at only 652.92 million standard cubic feet per day, about 40 per cent of the needed volume. The shortfall has significantly reduced the total generation available for dispatch to the national grid, NISO said.
The deficit in generation is responsible for the ongoing power shortages experienced in many parts of the country. NISO is working closely with electricity generation companies and suppliers to restore fuel supply and stabilize output. Operational measures are being implemented to maintain grid stability despite the reduced generation capacity.
Nigeria’s electricity system depends heavily on gas-fired thermal plants, which supply more than 70 per cent of the national grid. However, the sector faces recurring issues, including pipeline vandalism, insufficient infrastructure, payment disputes, and diversion of gas for export. These challenges prevent power plants from consistently operating at installed capacity.
