Gas supply crisis cuts power generation across Nigeria
Nigeria’s electricity output has declined again as a gas supply crisis cuts power generation across several thermal plants connected to the national grid, worsening energy shortages in parts of the country.
The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) disclosed on Thursday that total electricity generation on the national grid dropped to 3,940.53 megawatts (MW) in the early hours of the day, highlighting the continued strain on the country’s power sector.
In a statement issued to stakeholders, the grid operator explained that the reduction in electricity output was largely driven by persistent shortages in gas supply to key power plants that depend on the fuel to generate electricity.
According to the agency, the situation reflects ongoing structural challenges in the gas-to-power value chain, which has repeatedly affected Nigeria’s electricity supply.
The statement noted that as of 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, the national grid was already generating below its expected capacity due to gas supply limitations affecting multiple generating stations.
However, the situation deteriorated further a few hours later when additional generating units had to shut down because they could not access sufficient fuel to continue operations.
Between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., several power plants reportedly reduced output or halted operations entirely, leading to an additional 292MW drop in electricity generation within the period.
Officials explained that the shutdown of these units was unavoidable because gas supply levels remained far below the volume required to keep the plants running at optimal capacity.
Gas shortages weaken power system
Operational data released by the system operator revealed the scale of the gas supply deficit currently affecting electricity production.
Thermal power plants connected to the national grid require approximately 1,588.61 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to function efficiently and meet electricity demand across the country.
However, the amount of gas currently supplied to these plants is only about 652.92 million standard cubic feet per day, representing just around 40 per cent of the required volume.
This significant shortfall has limited the capacity of power generation companies to produce electricity at full output, further deepening the power supply gap experienced by households and businesses nationwide.
NISO explained that the gas deficit has become a major operational constraint for generating companies, many of which rely heavily on consistent fuel supply to sustain electricity production.
As a result, the system operator warned that electricity availability on the national grid could remain unstable until gas supply improves.
Power supply disruptions persist
The latest decline in electricity generation comes only weeks after the grid operator issued a similar warning about declining power output.
In February 2026, the agency had informed stakeholders that generation levels had dropped to about 4,300MW, also due to gas supply constraints affecting thermal power stations.
The latest figure of 3,940.53MW indicates a further decline in available electricity generation capacity, underscoring the worsening nature of the problem.
Electricity consumers across several parts of Nigeria have already reported increased power outages and unstable supply as generating stations struggle to maintain consistent output.
Industry experts say the recurring supply gaps highlight deeper systemic challenges within Nigeria’s electricity market.
Structural issues in gas-to-power chain
Nigeria’s power generation is heavily dependent on gas-fired thermal plants, which account for more than 70 per cent of electricity supplied to the national grid.
Despite the country possessing some of the largest natural gas reserves in Africa, power plants frequently operate below installed capacity due to supply bottlenecks and infrastructure limitations.
Experts attribute the recurring gas shortages to several issues, including pipeline vandalism, inadequate gas transportation infrastructure, and persistent payment disputes between power generation companies and gas suppliers.
Another factor affecting domestic gas supply is the diversion of available gas to export markets, where prices are often more attractive than those offered in the local power sector.
The situation has also been worsened by liquidity challenges within the electricity value chain, which make it difficult for generating companies to meet payment obligations to gas suppliers.
Efforts to stabilise electricity generation
In response to the latest disruption, the Nigerian Independent System Operator said it is working closely with electricity generation companies and gas suppliers to restore supply to affected plants.
The agency noted that discussions are ongoing with relevant stakeholders to stabilise gas deliveries and improve electricity output in the coming days.
“NISO is actively working with the affected generation companies and relevant gas suppliers to monitor the situation and facilitate the restoration of generation as soon as gas supply stabilises,” the statement said.
The system operator added that it is implementing operational measures aimed at maintaining grid stability despite the drop in available electricity generation.
It also assured electricity consumers that updates will continue to be provided as efforts to address the gas supply crisis progress.
Industry observers, however, say long-term solutions will require significant investment in gas infrastructure, improved market reforms, and stronger coordination between the gas and power sectors.
Until these structural issues are addressed, experts warn that Nigeria’s electricity generation could remain vulnerable to recurring supply disruptions.
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