Power output dips as gas constraints hit seven plants

Electricity supply across Nigeria may dip this week as Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) warned that scheduled maintenance at a major gas facility will temporarily reduce fuel supply to at least seven thermal power plants, raising the risk of load shedding and blackouts.

In a notice to market participants, the operator said Seplat Energy Plc will shut down part of its gas production infrastructure from February 12 to 15, 2026, affecting supply into the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s Gas Infrastructure Company pipeline network.

NISO projected a generation shortfall of about 934.96 megawatts—nearly 20 per cent of the grid’s available capacity—during the four-day maintenance window.

Power plants expected to be directly impacted include Egbin Power Plc, Azura Power West Africa, Sapele Power Plc and Transcorp Power Limited, while Niger Delta Power Holding Company plants in Sapele, Olorunsogo and Omotosho may face indirect constraints due to gas balancing across the network.

The system operator said it would deploy real-time measures to protect grid stability and implement any necessary load shedding “in a structured and equitable manner,” with priority given to hospitals, security facilities and other critical infrastructure.

In a separate statement, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and Seplat described the shutdown as routine maintenance aimed at ensuring safety and reliability, adding that alternative gas suppliers were being engaged to reduce supply gaps. Full gas delivery is expected to resume on February 16.

However, energy advocacy group PowerUp Nigeria criticised the development, saying it highlights weak long-term planning and the lack of gas storage buffers to cushion routine disruptions.

Nigeria’s grid depends heavily on gas-fired plants for over 70 per cent of generation, meaning even short-term supply cuts can quickly translate into reduced power, higher generator use and increased costs for households and businesses.