KEY POINTS
- Only eight power plants generated electricity, producing about 1,212MW out of more than 30 stations connected to Nigeria’s grid.
- Hydropower plants supplied most of the electricity, while several major gas-fired stations recorded zero output due to gas supply and operational challenges.
- Nigeria’s electricity demand exceeds 20,000MW, but the grid typically supplies just 3,000–5,000MW, leaving a massive power deficit nationwide.
Nigeria’s national power grid is once again under strain, with only a small number of power plants contributing electricity to the system.
Latest operational data from the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) shows that most power stations connected to the grid were inactive as of early Friday afternoon.
Checks on the NISO monitoring portal at 13:00 hours revealed that out of more than 30 power plants linked to the national grid, just eight were producing electricity. The rest recorded zero output.
Combined generation from the active plants stood at roughly 1,212 megawatts (MW), a level far below the country’s electricity needs.
The development once again highlights the deep-rooted challenges facing Nigeria’s electricity sector, where unstable generation, recurring grid collapses and weak infrastructure continue to disrupt power supply to homes and businesses.
Power Supply Far Below National Demand
Nigeria’s electricity demand far exceeds what the national grid typically delivers.
Energy analysts estimate that the country requires more than 20,000MW to meet national demand. However, grid supply usually fluctuates between 3,000MW and 5,000MW under normal conditions.
When generation falls below 1,500MW, experts warn that the grid becomes extremely fragile, often resulting in widespread load shedding and blackouts across multiple states.
Earlier this year, the NNPC Limited disclosed that gas supply to some power generation companies would temporarily decline between February 12 and February 15, 2026.
The reduction was linked to scheduled maintenance by its joint-venture partner, Seplat Energy Plc.
Officials said the maintenance work could temporarily reduce fuel supply to several gas-fired plants, further limiting electricity generation.
