Gas shortages and low water levels cut Nigeria’s power output, NISO says

Power output falls amid gas and water shortages

On 5 November 2026 the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) released a statement explaining a sharp decline in electricity generation on the national grid. The operator said that shortages of natural gas for thermal power plants and lower water inflows into hydroelectric reservoirs were the main reasons for the drop. Due to lower power production, distribution firms have been compelled to shorten electricity supply windows and expand load shedding, resulting in reduced power availability for homes and companies during periods of peak cooling needs.

In a document endorsed by NISO executives, it was emphasized that scarce gas supplies have stopped impacted thermal plants from running at maximum output. At the same time, reduced water levels in reservoirs have weakened the output of hydroelectric stations. The combined effect has lowered the volume of electricity that can be allocated to DisCos, resulting in shorter supply hours and more frequent load‑shedding.

According to NISO, the severity of the situation differs across areas based on the volume of generated electricity and the specific shares assigned to individual distribution companies. The operator acknowledged the difficulties faced by consumers nationwide and expressed appreciation for the concerns raised by the public and other stakeholders.

Background

Nigeria’s power system relies heavily on two main sources of generation: gas‑fired thermal plants and hydroelectric stations. In recent years the country has struggled to maintain a stable supply, with frequent outages and load‑shedding episodes. NISO, the body that manages the national grid, has repeatedly warned that dependence on gas is a central weakness of the system.

The current shortfall follows a period of intense heat across the country, which has increased demand for electricity. Earlier reports from NISO and other media outlets have highlighted that gas supply constraints and low water levels have already been affecting generation capacity. The operator has stated that it is actively working to diversify the energy mix of the grid to strengthen supply security and reduce exposure to such operational constraints.

Why it matters

The reduction in generation directly affects the amount of power that can be distributed to consumers. With fewer hours of supply, households and businesses experience more frequent power cuts, which can disrupt daily life, business operations and essential services such as healthcare and education. The statement from NISO also indicated that the severity of the impact varies across different regions, meaning that some areas may face more prolonged outages than others.

This revelation from NISO highlights how susceptible Nigeria's power infrastructure is to interruptions in the two primary sources of grid electricity. The operator’s commitment to maintaining grid stability and optimising dispatch of available generation is aimed at mitigating the immediate effects of the shortfall, but the underlying issues of gas supply and water levels remain unresolved.

What happens next

NISO has not announced specific dates for when generation levels will return to normal. The managing body indicated that work is continuing to broaden the variety of energy sources on the national grid, although a specific schedule for these changes was not disclosed. The statement also reaffirmed NISO’s commitment to maintaining grid stability, ensuring secure and efficient operation of the grid within prevailing operational constraints.

The situation remains fluid, with the extent of load‑shedding and supply hours continuing to vary by region as the grid operator adjusts allocations to DisCos based on available generation.