The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has issued a critical announcement regarding the ongoing challenges in electricity generation across the national grid, primarily due to persistent gas supply limitations affecting several thermal power plants.
A Statement by the Management of NISO confirmed that as of 5:00 AM today Thursday, total electricity generation on the national grid was recorded at 3,940.53 megawatts (MW), significantly lower than expected capacity.
This decline is attributed to ongoing gas supply constraints that have adversely impacted the operations of multiple generating stations.
Between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM, several units were forcefully shut down as a result of inadequate gas supply, leading to an additional cumulative reduction of approximately 292 MW in available generation during that period.
This has exacerbated the situation and contributed to the overall inadequacy in electricity generation currently being experienced.
Operational data from March 4, 2026, indicate that thermal power plants require about 1,588.61 million standard cubic feet (MMSCF) of gas per day to function at optimal capacity.
However, the actual gas supply to these facilities was only approximately 652.92 MMSCF, which constitutes around 40% of the gas needed for optimal operational output.
These developments have further diminished the total generation capacity available for dispatch to the national grid, intensifying the existing power shortages across the country.
In response to the current crisis, NISO is actively collaborating with the affected Generation Companies (GenCos) and relevant gas suppliers to closely monitor the situation and expedite the restoration of generation as gas supply stabilizes.
NISO has assured stakeholders and the public that it is taking all necessary operational measures to maintain grid stability while addressing the impacts of reduced generation on the national network.
The organization emphasizes its commitment to keeping all stakeholders and the general public informed about developments affecting the national electricity grid.
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