Nigeria’s electricity generation has dropped further after gas supply shortages forced several thermal power plants to shut down, the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has said.
In a recent statement, the system operator attributed the continued decline in power generation on the national grid to persistent gas supply constraints affecting thermal generating stations across the country.
According to NISO, total electricity generation stood at 3,940.53 megawatts (MW) as of 05:00 on March 5, 2026, already below expected capacity due to limited gas supply to power plants.
The situation worsened between 06:00 and 08:00, when several generating units were forced offline after running out of gas.
The development caused a drop of about 292MW in available generation on the national grid, further tightening electricity supply to Nigerians.
NISO explained that thermal plants require about 1,588.61 million standard cubic feet (MMSCF) of gas per day to operate at optimal capacity.
However, actual gas supply to the plants was only 652.92 MMSCF per day, representing about 40 per cent of the gas required for efficient electricity generation.
The shortfall has significantly reduced the electricity available for dispatch to power distribution companies.
“The Nigerian Independent System Operator wishes to inform stakeholders and the public of the continued decline in electricity generation on the national grid arising from persistent gas supply constraints affecting several thermal power plants,” the statement said.
NISO added that it is working closely with electricity generation companies and gas suppliers to stabilise supply and restore lost generation capacity.
The operator also said it has begun implementing operational measures to maintain grid stability while managing the impact of reduced generation.
Despite the challenges, NISO assured stakeholders and the public that it will continue to provide updates on developments affecting the national grid.
