Power
Niso links poor electricity supply to gas and hydro shortages
The Nigerian Independent System Operator has attributed nationwide electricity supply deficits to constrained thermal gas availability and reduced hydro output.
Key points
- NISO reported that thermal power generation is constrained by inadequate gas supply.
- Reduced water inflows into reservoirs have lowered output from hydroelectric stations.
- The generation shortfall has resulted in increased load shedding and fewer supply hours.
What happened
According to a statement issued by the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), electricity supply across Nigeria, including the South East region, has dropped significantly due to severe operational constraints in the generation segment. The system operator stated that thermal power generating stations are currently unable to operate at full capacity because of limited gas availability. Simultaneously, reduced water inflows into major reservoirs have depressed the generation output of hydroelectric stations connected to the national grid.
This combination of thermal and hydro deficits has driven down overall power generation levels. As a result, the volume of electricity allocated to Distribution Companies for onward delivery to residential, commercial, and industrial consumers has decreased. NISO noted that the resulting shortfall has triggered increased load shedding across various distribution networks, with the specific impact varying depending on local allocations and available generation capacities.
While acknowledging the growing concerns raised by members of the public and industry stakeholders regarding the depressed service levels, NISO expressed appreciation for public patience. The operator stated that it is actively pursuing strategies to diversify the country's energy mix to bolster supply security. Furthermore, management assured Nigerians of its ongoing commitment to maintaining operational stability on the national grid, optimising whatever generation capacity remains online, and ensuring the secure, reliable, and efficient transmission of power.
Why it matters
This latest grid instability highlights the vulnerability of Nigeria's power infrastructure to primary energy supply constraints. With World Bank data recording Nigeria's electricity use per person at 140.6 kWh in 2024 and national electricity access at 62.5 percent, persistent generation shortfalls severely undermine economic productivity and industrial competitiveness. Energy investors and policymakers frequently point out that until the domestic gas-to-power supply chain is fully secured and long-term energy diversification is achieved, distribution networks will continue to struggle with chronic load shedding and unreliable service delivery to end users.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Grids decide whether generation becomes power that homes and businesses can rely on. Generation mix, transmission and distribution losses, and tariffs together shape reliability and the case for investment.
62.5% of people in Nigeria had electricity in 2024Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
