NISO hints of power outage as gas supply facility shutdown for maintenance
2 min read
By Chris Ochayi
The Nigerian Independent System Operator, NISO, has hinted of impending gas supply constraints, which will affect some major thermal power generating plants connected to the national grid.
The NISO in a statement by its management on Thursday in Abuja, said the exercise will temporary reduce the available thermal generation capacity across the national grid.
It attributed the situation to a scheduled maintenance shutdown of a major gas supply facility.
The agency said the shutdown will commence from 12 to 15 February 2026 (both days inclusive), while the full gas supply is expected to be restored on 16 February 2026.
According to the statement, “The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) hereby informs the general public and all electricity market participants of anticipated gas supply constraints affecting some major thermal power generating stations connected to the national grid.
“This situation arises from a formal notification received on the scheduled maintenance shutdown of a major gas supply facility from 12 to 15 February 2026 (both days inclusive). Full gas supply is expected to be restored on 16 February 2026.
“During the maintenance period, gas availability to certain power plants that depend on this supply network will be temporarily reduced.
“Power stations expected to be directly impacted include Egbin, Azura, Sapele, and Transcorp Power Plants, while NDPHC Sapele, Olorunsogo, and Omotosho Power Plants may experience indirect constraints due to network-wide gas balancing effects.
“This will result in a temporary reduction in available thermal generation capacity across the national grid.
This reduction underscores the need for careful system operation to maintain grid stability and reliability.
“In line with its statutory mandate, NISO will deploy appropriate real-time operational measures to safeguard the integrity and security of the national grid throughout the maintenance window.
“Any load shedding, if required, will be implemented in a structured, transparent, and equitable manner in close coordination with Distribution Companies (DisCos). Priority will be accorded to critical national infrastructure, essential services, and security installations.
“NISO assures all stakeholders and electricity consumers that every action taken during this period will be strictly guided by established operational procedures, grid security requirements, and reliability standards.
“The National Control Centre will intensify real-time system monitoring and contingency planning, while also ensuring fair load allocation based on available generation capacity.
“NISO appreciates the understanding and cooperation of all stakeholders as the gas supplier undertakes this essential maintenance, which is necessary to ensure the long-term safety, reliability, and sustainability of upstream gas infrastructure in support of Nigeria’s power sector.
