Nigeria’s electricity grid faces potential disruptions this week as a major gas plant shutdown is set to curtail power generation by nearly 1,000 megawatts, according to a warning issued by the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO).
The NISO announced that the scheduled maintenance, conducted by Seplat Energy, will reduce available power output by 934.96MW between February 12th and 15th, representing approximately 19.67% of the current 4,753.10MW capacity. The agency indicated that structured load shedding will be implemented nationwide to manage the shortfall, prioritizing critical infrastructure and essential services.
The maintenance work centers on a key gas supply facility, impacting gas delivery into the NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited (NGIC) pipeline network. Several thermal power plants are directly affected, including the 1,320MW Egbin Power Plant – Nigeria’s largest – as well as the Azura, Sapele, and Transcorp facilities. NDPHC Sapele, Olorunsogo, and Omotosho plants are also expected to experience indirect constraints due to network-wide gas balancing requirements.
NNPC Ltd. Confirmed the maintenance is a standard procedure designed to ensure asset integrity and prevent unplanned outages, stating that its gas marketing subsidiary is working to secure alternative gas supplies to mitigate the impact.
Nigeria’s recurring power challenges are rooted in a combination of factors, including aging infrastructure, gas supply issues, and financial constraints within the electricity sector. Despite holding Africa’s largest proven gas reserves, the country struggles to consistently translate this resource into reliable power generation. Experts point to export commitments, pipeline vandalism, and operational inefficiencies as contributing factors.
The current situation arrives as the administration of Bola Tinubu pursues reforms aimed at restructuring the power sector, including the removal of subsidies and a move towards decentralized grid management. However, progress has been incremental, and public concern over frequent blackouts remains high.
Energy analysts emphasize Nigeria’s heavy reliance on gas-fired power plants – which currently account for over 70% of electricity generation – makes the system particularly vulnerable to disruptions in the upstream gas supply chain. This vulnerability is intensifying calls for greater investment in renewable energy sources to diversify the nation’s energy mix.
Normal gas supply is expected to resume on February 16th, according to NISO, but the potential for continued instability in the power sector remains a significant concern.
