The Nigerian Independent System Operator has reported “major generation shortfalls” on the national grid following the industrial action by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria.

On Saturday, PENGASSAN directed its members to commence a nationwide strike in protest against the dismissal of “over 800 workers” by Dangote Refinery.

Dangote Refinery described the strike as an attempt to weaponise hardship against Nigerians.

In a statement on Tuesday, NISO said the industrial action had triggered a 25.58 per cent drop in available power generation, a decline of about 1,100MW, from over 4,300MW recorded in the early hours of Sunday to roughly 3,200MW at its lowest point.

The system operator noted that contingency measures were swiftly implemented to counter the generation shortfalls and safeguard the stability, security, and reliability of the national grid.

“Key interventions include: Hydropower Optimisation: Strategic ramp-ups from major hydro stations, contributing over 400 MW of additional output to cushion the shortfall from gas-fired plants,” the NISO said.

“Generation Dispatch and Load Balancing: Real-time load adjustments to match available generation with system demand, while preventing a system frequency collapse.”

NISO added, “Voltage and Frequency Support: Continuous deployment of reactive power compensation and reserve monitoring to safeguard system integrity.

“Demand-Side Management: Selective load shedding, applied as a last resort, to avert a system-wide collapse and ensure fair power distribution.

“These timely actions enabled the NISO NCC to minimise the impact of the labour-induced gas shortages, sustain operational security, and maintain supply to critical loads, thereby averting a nationwide blackout.”

The NISO further reiterated its commitment to proactive grid management, operational excellence, and the adoption of best-in-class practices to ensure a secure and reliable power supply across Nigeria.

On Monday, the National Industrial Court in Abuja granted an interim order restraining PENGASSAN from continuing its nationwide industrial action against Dangote Petroleum Refinery.