The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has given reasons for the inconsistency being experienced in power generation and supply across the country.
According to the system operator, the decline in electricity generation was a result of persistent gas supply constraints affecting several thermal power plants.
Giving the breakdown down in a statement signed by the management, NISO said total generation on the national grid as at 05:000 hours on Thursday, 5th March, 2026 stood at 3,940.53 MW, which it said was already below the expected capacity due to existing gas supply limitations thus affecting a number of generating stations and some of them forced to shut down as a result of inadequate gas supply to the plants.
This it added resulted in a cumulative reduction of approximately 292 MW in available generation on the grid during the period.
While stating that it is working in close contact with the affected Generation Companies (GenCos) and relevant gas suppliers to monitor the situation, the statement added that it is taking necessary operational measures to maintain grid stability as it continues to manage the impact of the reduced generation on the network.
The statement read “The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) wishes to inform stakeholders and the public of the continued decline in electricity generation on the national grid arising from persistent gas supply constraints affecting several thermal power plants.
“As at 05:00 hours of today Thursday, 5th March 2026, total generation on the national grid stood at 3,940.53 MW, which was already below the expected capacity due to existing gas supply limitations impacting a number of generating stations. Between 06:00 hours and 08:00 hours, several generating units were forced to shut down as a result of inadequate gas supply to the plants.
“This resulted in a cumulative reduction of approximately 292 MW in available generation on the grid during the period. Operational data as of 04 March 2026 indicate that thermal power plants require approximately 1,588.61 million standard cubic feet (MMSCF) of gas per day to operate at optimal capacity.
“However, actual gas supply to these stations was approximately 652.92MMSCF, representing about 40% of the gas required for optimal generation. These developments further reduced the total generation available for dispatch to the national grid and have contributed to the current generation inadequacy being experienced across the system.
“NISO is actively working with the affected Generation Companies (GenCos) and relevant gas suppliers to closely monitor the situation and facilitate the restoration of generation as soon as gas supply to the affected plants stabilises.
“The System Operator continues to take necessary operational measures to maintain grid stability while managing the impact of the reduced generation on the network. NISO remains committed to keeping stakeholders and the public informed on developments affecting the national grid.”