AT least seven grid-connected power plants across Nigeria are expected to face gas supply constraints following the scheduled shutdown of a major gas facility operated by Seplat Energy, a development that could temporarily reduce electricity generation nationwide.
News Point Nigeria reports that the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) issued a notice on Thursday warning electricity market participants and consumers that the maintenance exercise, scheduled from February 12 to 15, 2026, will affect gas availability to key thermal power stations connected to the national grid.
According to NISO, the planned maintenance will reduce thermal generation capacity and could result in a power shortfall of approximately 934.96 megawatts—representing about 19.67 percent of the current combined available generation capacity of 4,753.10MW.
Power stations expected to be directly impacted include Egbin, Azura-Edo, Sapele, and Transcorp Power plants. In addition, NDPHC Sapele, Olorunsogo, and Omotosho plants are projected to experience indirect constraints due to network-wide gas balancing effects.
The maintenance affects gas supply flowing into the NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited (NGIC) pipeline network, which supplies fuel to several thermal power plants.
NISO stated that full gas supply is expected to resume on February 16, following completion of the four-day exercise.
In its notice, NISO emphasised that it would implement real-time operational measures to safeguard the stability and integrity of the national grid during the maintenance window.
“Any load shedding, if required, will be implemented in a structured, transparent, and equitable manner in close coordination with distribution companies,” the statement read.
The system operator added that priority would be given to critical national infrastructure, essential services, and security installations if load management becomes necessary.
The National Control Centre, according to NISO, will intensify real-time monitoring and contingency planning to ensure fair load allocation based on available generation.
In a separate statement titled “Notice of Scheduled Maintenance on Major Gas Plant and Facilities,” the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) confirmed the routine maintenance.
Seplat Energy, a joint venture partner of NNPC Ltd and a major supplier of gas into the NGIC network, described the exercise as part of standard industry safety and asset integrity protocols.
The company stated that periodic maintenance is necessary to ensure reliability, operational resilience, and minimise the risk of unplanned outages.
However, it acknowledged that the shutdown would temporarily reduce gas supply into the NGIC system, potentially impacting electricity generation during the four-day period.
NNPC Ltd and Seplat said they are working to ensure the maintenance is completed on schedule. NNPC Gas Marketing Limited is reportedly engaging alternative gas suppliers to mitigate supply gaps and maintain network stability.
Nigeria’s electricity grid remains heavily dependent on gas-fired thermal power plants, which account for more than 70 percent of installed generation capacity.
Despite having Africa’s largest proven gas reserves, the country continues to face supply bottlenecks stemming from infrastructure limitations, maintenance cycles, payment arrears, and pipeline vandalism.
Industry data indicate that although Nigeria’s installed generation capacity exceeds 13,000MW, actual available power often ranges between 4,000MW and 5,000MW due to gas shortages and technical constraints.
Egbin, Nigeria’s largest thermal plant, has an installed capacity of 1,320MW, while Azura-Edo contributes 461MW and Transcorp’s Ughelli facility exceeds 900MW. Any reduction in gas supply to these plants typically produces immediate ripple effects across the grid.
Reacting to the development, the Executive Director of PowerUp Nigeria, Adetayo Adegbemle, criticised what he described as inadequate long-term planning within the power sector.
“This announcement shows our inability to plan ahead. Nothing says we should not have storage facilities that would hold us for days while this maintenance is being done,” he said.
Adegbemle argued that investments in gas storage infrastructure and strategic reserves could significantly cushion the impact of scheduled maintenance and unforeseen disruptions.
He stressed that as Nigeria continues to rely heavily on gas-fired generation, strengthening supply chain resilience must be prioritised to protect consumers from avoidable electricity shocks.
For millions of Nigerians, the anticipated gas constraints may translate into reduced grid supply, increased reliance on generators, and higher fuel expenses during the maintenance period.