Nigeria’s power generation has dropped to an average of 4,300 megawatts (MW) due to inadequate gas supply to thermal power plants, the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has announced.

In a press release issued on February 27, 2026, the system operator attributed the declining output to significant gas supply limitations, noting that thermal generating stations account for the dominant share of the country’s electricity generation mix.

According to NISO, 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 was approximately 692.00 MMSCF per day — less than 43 percent of the required volume.

The shortfall, the operator explained, has severely constrained generation output and reduced the amount of electricity available for distribution across the country.

“As thermal plants account for the dominant share of Nigeria’s generation mix, any disruption or limitation in gas supply directly affects available generation capacity and overall grid output,” the statement read.

NISO added that the reduced energy allocated to Distribution Companies (DisCos) reflects the limited supply currently available on the national grid.
The operator further explained that whenever total system generation drops significantly, it is compelled to implement load shedding across the network. Energy is dispatched in line with allocation percentages set under the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) framework of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to maintain grid stability and prevent system disturbances.

While expressing regret over the inconvenience to electricity consumers and market participants, NISO said it is working closely with relevant stakeholders to restore full energy allocation once gas supply improves and generation capacity rebounds.