The Nigerian Independent System Operator has begun implementing load shedding across the country.
This follows a major drop in power generation linked to insufficient gas supply to thermal power plants.
In a notice sent to market participants on Friday, NISO revealed the extent of the decline. Electricity generation has fallen to an average of 4,300 megawatts (MW), compared to over 5,000MW in recent days.
NISO explained that the reduction stems from severe gas supply constraints. Thermal power plants, which form the largest part of Nigeria’s electricity generation mix, need about 1,629.75 million standard cubic feet (MMSCF) of gas daily to run at full capacity.
As of February 23, 2026, the actual gas delivered to the plants was only around 692 MMSCF. This figure represents less than 43 per cent of the required amount.
“Available gas supply represents less than 43 per cent of the required volume, resulting in constrained generation output,” NISO stated. “The current low generation level is fundamentally driven by inadequate gas supply to thermal generating units, leading to reduced energy allocation to Distribution Companies (DisCos).”
The operator clarified that significant drops in total system generation force the implementation of load shedding nationwide. Available energy is then distributed according to the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) allocation percentages approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to ensure grid stability and avoid system collapses.
“Consequently, the current energy allocated to DisCos reflects the reduced supply available on the grid,” the notice added.
Dr. Joy Ogaji, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC), addressed stakeholder concerns. She called on Nigerians to shift attention to the liquidity problems in the power sector instead of focusing solely on generation shortfalls.
“We should move beyond increased generation to increased liquidity. GenCos have been shouting for payment, but no one supported us. Now that generation is low, everyone is speaking,” she said.
She pointed out that poor payments from the market to generation companies have worsened the sector’s operational difficulties.
“We should track market payments just the way we are tracking low generation and gas,” she added, noting that the prevailing situation reinforces the misconception that electricity should be provided free of charge.
Nigeria’s power sector continues to depend heavily on gas-fired plants. This reliance leaves electricity supply exposed to frequent disruptions from issues in gas production, pipeline limitations, and payment arrears throughout the electricity value chain.
