Abuja – The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has blamed persistent gas supply shortages and declining water inflows into hydroelectric reservoirs for the latest slump in electricity generation, warning of mounting pressure on power supply across the country.
NISO disclosed on Thursday that the twin challenges had significantly reduced the volume of electricity available on the national grid, triggering increased load shedding by distribution companies (DisCos) and leaving consumers with shorter hours of electricity supply.
In a statement issued on November 5, 2026, the system operator explained that inadequate gas supply had constrained the operational capacity of affected thermal power plants, preventing them from generating electricity at their available levels.
It also identified reduced water inflows into reservoirs as a major setback for hydroelectric stations, limiting their capacity to contribute electricity to the national grid.
The combined impact, NISO said, had reduced the quantum of electricity available for allocation to DisCos for onward distribution to households, businesses and industrial consumers.
The development has translated into increased load shedding across distribution networks, with the severity of supply disruptions varying from one electricity distribution company to another, depending on available generation and allocated power.
The latest explanation exposes the growing pressure on Nigeria’s electricity supply system, where constraints affecting both thermal and hydroelectric generation have combined to deepen the power supply crisis.
For businesses and households, the consequences extend beyond prolonged blackouts, as unreliable electricity supply increases operating costs, disrupts commercial activities and forces consumers to depend more heavily on expensive alternative energy sources.
NISO acknowledged the hardship caused by the generation shortfall, expressing appreciation for the concerns raised by electricity consumers and other stakeholders over the deteriorating supply situation.
The operator said it was pursuing diversification of the national grid’s energy mix to strengthen energy security and improve the reliability of electricity supply.
It further reaffirmed its commitment to stabilising the national grid, optimising the dispatch of available electricity and ensuring secure, reliable and efficient system operations despite prevailing constraints.
However, NISO’s disclosure leaves the immediate recovery of electricity supply largely dependent on improvements in gas availability to thermal power plants and stronger water inflows into hydroelectric reservoirs.
