Nigeria’s electricity generation dropped to 3,940.53 megawatts (MW) on Thursday as gas supply shortages continue to disrupt operations at several thermal power plants across the country.
The decline was disclosed by the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), which attributed the situation to persistent constraints in gas supply to power stations.
According to the system operator, generation on the national grid stood at 3,940.53MW as of 5:00 a.m., already below expected capacity due to limited gas availability affecting multiple power plants.
The operator noted that the situation worsened within hours as several generating units were forced to shut down because of inadequate fuel supply.
NISO explained that between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., the shutdown of some units caused a further reduction of about 292MW in available generation on the grid.
The agency said the shortage of gas has significantly limited the ability of thermal plants to operate at optimal capacity, thereby reducing the electricity available for distribution nationwide.
Operational data cited by the operator showed that thermal power plants require about 1,588.61 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to function efficiently.
However, current supply stands at about 652.92 million standard cubic feet per day, representing roughly 40 per cent of the required volume.
The development comes weeks after a similar warning in February when electricity generation fell to around 4,300MW due to the same gas supply challenges.
NISO said it is working with generation companies and gas suppliers to stabilise supply and restore generation levels while taking operational measures to maintain grid stability.
Nigeria’s power sector relies heavily on gas-fired plants, which supply more than 70 per cent of electricity on the national grid.
However, recurring gas shortages; linked to pipeline vandalism, inadequate infrastructure, payment disputes and gas diversion to export markets, have continued to constrain power generation in the country.
