The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has attributed the country’s poor electricity to inadequate gas supply.

In a press release on Friday, NISO said as a result, Nigeria’s current 4,000MW generation delivers only 692 MMSCF daily against a 1,630 MMSCF requirement for thermal plants as of February 23, 2026.

“We hereby notify the general public and alt market participants that the current average available generation of approximately 4,300MW is primarily due to inadequate gas supply to thermal generating stations,” the statement read.

“Given that thermal plants account for the dominant share of Nigeria’s generation mix, any disruption or imitation in gas supply directly affects available generation capacity and overall grid output.

“Consequently, the current energy allocated to Distribution Companies (DisCos} reflects the reduced supply available on the grid. Available operational data indicates that thermal power plants collectively require an estimated 1,629.75 million standard cubic feet (MMSCF) of gas per doy to operate at optimal capacity.

“However, as of February 23. 2026, actual gas supply to the stations stood at approximately 692.00 MMSCF, representing a significant shortfall in daily gas supply requirements.”

According to NISO, the available gas supply represents less than 43% of the required volume, resulting in constrained generation output.

It said the current low generation level is fundamentally driven by inadequate gas supply to thermal generating units, leading to reduced energy allocation to the DisCos.

NISO explained that when total system generation drops significantly, the Independent System Operator must implement load shedding across the system while dispatching available energy in line with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) allocation percentages across all distribution networks to maintain grid stability and prevent system disturbances.

MYTO is a 15-year framework established by NERC to set cost-reflective electricity tariffs, aimed at ensuring fair pricing for consumers while allowing distribution companies to recover investments.

As a statutory corporate entity established as a critical outcome of the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), NISO expressed its sadness at the poor supply of power across the country.

“We regret the inconvenience this situation may cause electricity consumers and affected market participants,” it said.

It promised to continue working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure full energy allocation as soon as gas supply improves and generation capacity is restored.