Daniel Adaji
The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has announced contingency measures to manage electricity supply disruptions expected between February 12 and 15, 2026, following a scheduled maintenance shutdown of a major gas supply facility.
In a statement dated February 12 and signed by its Management, the grid operator said the planned maintenance would temporarily constrain gas supply to several thermal power plants, leading to reduced generation capacity across the national grid. Full gas supply is expected to resume on February 16.
“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,” the statement read.
According to NISO, it received formal notification that the gas facility would undergo maintenance within the four-day window.
“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,” it stated.
The development will directly affect major thermal power stations including Egbin, Azura, Sapele and Transcorp plants. Others such as NDPHC Sapele, Olorunsogo and Omotosho may face indirect constraints due to what the operator described as “network-wide gas balancing effects.”
NISO warned that the temporary reduction in gas supply would lower available thermal generation capacity and may necessitate load shedding to maintain system balance.
“This will result in a temporary reduction in available thermal generation capacity across the national grid,” NISO said, adding that the situation “underscores the need for careful system operation to maintain grid stability and reliability.”
To prevent wider system disturbances, the operator said it would implement real-time operational safeguards throughout the maintenance period.
“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,” the statement added.
Electricity distribution companies may be directed to shed load where necessary, although NISO stressed that any such measures would follow established procedures.
“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,” it stated.
The operator assured stakeholders that the National Control Centre would intensify monitoring and contingency planning to ensure fairness in electricity allocation.
“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,” it said.
While acknowledging the short-term strain on electricity supply, NISO maintained that the maintenance is essential for sustaining the gas infrastructure that supports Nigeria’s predominantly thermal power system.
“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,” the statement added.
