Power Generation Plunges To 3,940.53MW As Gas Shortage Worsens

… Thermal plants shut down as output drops to 40%—NISO

Electricity generation on Nigeria’s national grid fell to 3,940.53 megawatts (MW) on Thursday, due to gas supply constraints at thermal plants, the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) announced—a development likely to exacerbate blackouts for households and businesses nationwide.

The system operator, however, failed to disclose the reason for the gas shortage despite a specific enquiry from LEADERSHIP.

NISO announced that at 5:00 a.m., output lagged targets from shortages at key stations. Between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., unit shutdowns trimmed generation by 292 MW.

NISO stated that thermal plants need 1,588.61 million standard cubic feet (MMSCF) of gas daily; but supply was 652.92 MMSCF, or 40 per cent.

“Thermal plants have shut down as output reduces to 40 per cent,” NISO reported, curbing grid dispatch.

Recall that last week, NISO said power generation dropped to approximately 4,300 megawatts due to inadequate gas supply to thermal generating stations.

Persistent grid collapses and erratic power supply have continued to disrupt businesses and households across the country, forcing many Nigerians to rely on alternatives such as generators and solar power.

With a capacity of over 13,000 MW but now averaging less than 4,000MW, due to gas shortages—hitting thermal plants that provide 80.per cent of power—strain distribution. Nigerians face extended load shedding, higher reliance on generators (driving up fuel costs), and disruptions to homes, hospitals, and small enterprises in cities like Lagos and Abuja.NERC data shows that such shortfalls contribute to annual economic losses in the trillions of naira.

NISO warned of a sharp decline in electricity generation on the national grid, blaming persistent gas supply shortages that have forced thermal power plants to operate at just 40 per cent capacity.

“NISO is actively working with Generation Companies (GenCos) and gas suppliers to monitor the situation and restore output as supply stabilises,” the operator said in a statement.It added that measures are in place to maintain grid stability amid the cuts, with ongoing updates promised to stakeholders.

NISO management signed off, reaffirming commitment to transparency on grid challenges.