The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has attributed the recurring power outages across the country to a significant shortfall in gas supply to thermal power plants.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the management of NISO informed the general public and electricity market participants that the current average available generation of about 4,300 megawatts (MW) is largely due to inadequate gas supply to thermal generating stations.
According to the statement, thermal power plants account for the dominant share of Nigeria’s electricity generation mix. As a result, any disruption or limitation in gas supply has a direct and substantial impact on available generation capacity and overall grid output.
NISO explained that the current level of energy allocated to Distribution Companies (DisCos) reflects the reduced volume of electricity presently available on the national grid.
Operational data cited in the statement showed 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 per day.
This represents less than 43 percent of the required daily gas volume, resulting in constrained power generation and lower energy output nationwide.
The system operator emphasized that the low generation levels are fundamentally driven by inadequate gas supply to thermal units, which has consequently reduced energy allocation to DisCos and intensified outages being experienced by electricity consumers.
While expressing regret over the inconvenience caused to consumers and market participants, NISO assured stakeholders that it is working closely with relevant agencies and partners to restore full energy allocation once gas supply improves and generation capacity returns to optimal levels.