NISO attributes Nigeria's power blackouts to gas shortages and low water inflows

The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has identified gas supply constraints and reduced water inflows as the primary causes of the recent decline in electricity generation across the national grid. In a statement issued on Thursday, November 5, 2026, the agency explained that these factors have triggered widespread blackouts and increased load shedding in various parts of the country.

According to NISO, the limited availability of natural gas has prevented several thermal power stations from operating at their full available capacity. Simultaneously, lower water inflows into reservoirs have diminished the output of hydroelectric power stations. The simultaneous decrease in power generation has directly affected the amount of electricity distributed to Distribution Companies (DisCos) for consumer delivery. Consequently, residents are experiencing fewer hours of electricity supply and more frequent power cuts, with the severity of the disruption varying by region depending on local generation availability and specific allocations.

Background

The current crisis follows reports from earlier in the year indicating that major cities, including Lagos and Abuja, were already facing significant electricity supply disruptions. During that period, local distributors like Ikeja Electric and the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) blamed the power cuts on diminished allocations from the national grid and technical issues. The recent statement by NISO provides a broader systemic explanation for these ongoing issues, pointing to upstream supply problems rather than just local distribution failures.

NISO acknowledged the significant impact of the generation shortfall on electricity consumers nationwide. The organization acknowledged the worries expressed by the public and other stakeholders concerning the consistency of the power supply. The operator emphasised that the level of disruption is not uniform across the country, as it depends on the specific generation mix and the corresponding electricity allocations made to individual distribution companies.

Why it matters

The reduction in available generation has resulted in a tangible decrease in the quantum of electricity reaching end-users. For consumers, this translates into shorter supply hours and increased frequency of load shedding, which affects daily life, business operations, and industrial productivity. The variation in impact across different distribution networks means that some regions are experiencing more severe outages than others, creating an uneven energy landscape within the country.

NISO indicated that it is actively pursuing measures to broaden the national grid's energy sources to enhance the security of electricity provision. This strategic move aims to reduce reliance on any single source of power, thereby mitigating the risk of similar shortages in the future. The body reiterated its dedication to preserving grid stability and maximizing the use of currently available generation, notwithstanding existing operational limitations. These initiatives aim to guarantee the ongoing safe, dependable, and effective functioning of the national grid.

What happens next

While NISO has outlined its commitment to diversifying the energy mix and maintaining grid stability, the statement did not provide specific timelines for when the gas supply constraints or water inflow issues would be resolved. The agency indicated that it continues to operate within the prevailing operational constraints, focusing on optimising the dispatch of available generation to manage the current shortfall. No immediate new dates or specific pending decisions regarding infrastructure upgrades or supply contracts were detailed in the release.