BY UCHECHI OKPORIE
A national power generation has weakened significantly as key gas supplies to thermal power plants fall well below demand, the Nigerian Electricity System Operator (NISO) has confirmed.
In a statement released on 27 February 2026, NISO said available electricity generation has averaged around 4.3 gigawatts (GW) far below the nation’s potential largely due to persistent shortfalls in the delivery of natural gas to thermal plants that provide the majority of the country’s electricity.
Thermal facilities, which rely on a steady flow of gas to produce power, require about 1.63 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to operate at full capacity.
But as of 23 February, actual supplies stood at roughly 692,000 standard cubic feet, or less than 65% of what’s needed, NISO said, undermining output and constraining grid performance.
The shortfall has forced reductions in energy allocations to electricity distributors and, in some cases, the implementation of load-shedding measures to stabilize the grid.
NISO also urged cooperation with relevant energy stakeholders to boost gas delivery and restore higher generation levels, acknowledging the inconvenience to consumers and businesses.
Nigeria’s heavy dependence on gas-fired generation has exposed its power sector to ongoing supply chain vulnerabilities, contributing to frequent output dips and supply disruptions.
