Nigeria’s electricity generation has dropped sharply to an average of around 4,300 megawatts (MW), primarily because thermal power plants are receiving only about 43% of the gas they need.
According to the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), thermal stations which generate the majority of the country’s power require roughly 1,629.75 million standard cubic feet (mmscf) of gas per day to operate at full capacity.
As of February 23, 2026, however, only approximately 692 mmscf was being supplied daily a shortfall of nearly 57%.
NISO explained:
“The current average available generation of approximately 4,300 MW is primarily due to inadequate gas supply to thermal generating stations.”
The persistent gas constraints stem from multiple issues, including:
Scheduled maintenance on critical gas infrastructure (by NNPCL, Seplat Energy, and others in early February)
Pipeline vandalism
Upstream production shortfalls
Pricing and payment disputes in the power sector
Legacy debts
Foreign exchange challenges
Aging pipeline and processing limitations
With national installed capacity far exceeding current output and peak demand estimated well above 20,000 MW, the low generation has forced heavy load-shedding across the country, resulting in prolonged blackouts for homes, businesses, and critical services.
NISO expressed regret for the inconvenience to electricity consumers and stated that it is working closely with gas suppliers and other stakeholders to restore higher output levels as soon as gas volumes improve.
Until then, controlled load-shedding will remain necessary to protect the grid from total collapse.
The situation once again highlights Nigeria’s heavy dependence on gas-fired generation (over 70% of the national mix) and the vulnerability of the power sector to fuel-supply disruptions.
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