The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has attributed the country’s poor electricity supply to inadequate gas availability.
In a recent press statement, NISO said Nigeria’s current generation of about 4,000 megawatts (MW) is constrained by gas shortages, with only 692 million standard cubic feet (MMSCF) of gas supplied daily against a requirement of 1,630 MMSCF for thermal plants as of February 23, 2026.
“We hereby notify the general public and all market participants that the current average available generation of approximately 4,300MW is primarily due to inadequate gas supply to thermal generating stations,” the statement read.
“Given that thermal plants account for the dominant share of Nigeria’s generation mix, any disruption or limitation in 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. Available operational data indicates 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.
“However, 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.”
According to NISO, the available gas supply represents less than 43 percent of the required volume, resulting in constrained generation output.
It stated that the low generation level is fundamentally driven by inadequate gas supply to thermal generating units, leading to reduced energy allocation to the DisCos.
NISO explained that when total system generation drops significantly, the Independent System Operator must implement load shedding across the grid while dispatching available energy in line with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) allocation percentages across all distribution networks to maintain grid stability and prevent system disturbances.
The Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) is a 15-year framework established by NERC to set cost-reflective electricity tariffs, aimed at ensuring fair pricing for consumers while allowing distribution companies to recover investments.
As a statutory corporate entity established as a key outcome of the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), NISO expressed regret over the poor power supply across the country.
“We regret the inconvenience this situation may cause electricity consumers and affected market participants,” it said.
The operator pledged to continue working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure full energy allocation once gas supply improves and generation capacity is restored.
