The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has said the current poor power supply experienced nationwide is due to inadequate gas supply to thermal generating stations.
In a statement released on Friday, February 27, NISO said power generation has dropped to around 4,300 megawatts (MW), causing a significant outage across the country.
It said that because thermal plants account for the dominant share of Nigeria’s generation mix, any disruption or shortage of gas supply directly affects available generation capacity and overall grid output.
“Consequently, the current energy allocated to Distribution Companies (DisCos) reflects the reduced supply available on the grid,” NISO stated.
It explained that operational data shows that thermal power plants collectively require an estimated 1,629.75 million standard cubic feet (MMSCF) of gas per day to operate at optimal capacity, but as of February 23, 2026, actual gas supply to the stations stood at approximately 692.00 MMSCF, representing a significant shortfall in daily gas supply requirements.
This substantial shortage of gas supply, leaving less than 43 per cent of the required volume available for the power plants, has resulted in low 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,” it stated
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The Independent System Operator revealed that the drop in power generation has forced it to 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.
While expressing regret for the inconvenience the situation may cause electricity consumers and affected market stakeholders, NISO pledged to continue working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure full energy allocation as soon as gas supply improves and generation capacity is restored.
Pinnacle Daily reports that the recent electricity supply disruption came after the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) announced that its Joint Venture Partner, Seplat Energy Plc, a key supplier of gas, would conduct scheduled routine maintenance on its gas production facilities from February 12 to 15, 2026. NNPCL alerted that during the four-day maintenance period, there will be a temporary reduction in gas supply into the NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited (NGIC) pipeline network, which would affect some power generation companies relying on it for gas supply.
“As a result, some power generation companies reliant on this supply may experience reduced gas availability, which could modestly impact electricity generation levels within the timeframe,” NNPC had stated in a statement signed by its spokesperson Andy Odeh.
The current power disruption came after the nation witnessed a total outage in January ending due to two cases of national grid collapse. NISO had, at the time, linked it to simultaneous tripping of multiple high-voltage transmission lines and the disconnection of several power generation units from the grid.
Consumers have continued to express outrage over epileptic power supply, lamenting the impact on households and businesses.
Some netizens who reacted to NISO’s statement wondered why Nigeria, which is Africa’s largest gas producer with about 209 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves, is recording a substantial shortage of gas supply to power generation plants.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist, scholar and analyst of socioeconomic issues in Nigeria and Africa. He is skilled in energy reporting, business and economy, and holds a master's degree in mass communication.
