Power Generation Drops by 20% as Nigerians Face Fresh Electricity Supply Woes

Power Generation Drops by 20% as Nigerians Face Fresh Electricity Supply Woes

Millions of Nigerians may face worsening electricity supply disruptions after Nigeria’s power generation recorded a sharp decline on Thursday, deepening concerns over the country’s fragile electricity infrastructure and raising fresh fears of prolonged blackouts for households and businesses.

Data obtained from the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) showed that national power generation fell to 3,527.76 megawatts (MW), representing a drop of 877.28MW or 19.92 per cent compared to the 4,405.04MW recorded the previous day.

The significant drop has heightened concerns among stakeholders over the sustainability of Nigeria’s electricity supply, with experts warning that persistent operational constraints could worsen the nation’s already unstable power situation.

The decline in electricity generation in Nigeria has been linked largely to gas supply shortages affecting thermal power plants, technical faults at critical generation stations, and long-standing weaknesses in the transmission network.

Industry data indicate that Nigeria continues to generate far below its installed capacity of over 13,000MW, with average daily supply frequently fluctuating between 3,500MW and 5,000MW, a level experts say remains grossly inadequate for a population of over 220 million.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has repeatedly highlighted generation shortfalls, transmission bottlenecks and liquidity challenges as key obstacles limiting growth in the sector.

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Power sector stakeholders warn that without urgent structural reforms, Nigerians may continue to grapple with epileptic power supply, increased reliance on generators and rising operational costs.

Reacting to the latest development, energy economist Prof. Wumi Iledare said Nigeria’s power sector is facing both operational and financial distress.

According to him, over ₦4 trillion in legacy debt continues to cripple the electricity value chain.

He said, “Generation companies remain unpaid, gas suppliers are constrained, distribution companies are struggling, while the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc remains overstretched.

“The interventions introduced over the years have largely addressed short-term liquidity pressures without solving the deeper structural problems affecting the market.

“Until Nigeria embraces cost-reflective electricity tariffs, targeted subsidies and stronger market discipline, the power sector will remain financially unsustainable.”

Also reacting, Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Muda Yusuf, said the Nigerian power sector crisis remains one of the country’s most difficult reform challenges.

He noted that despite multiple reform efforts, the sector remains weighed down by policy inconsistencies, weak governance, tariff distortions and investor uncertainty.

“The inability to fully implement cost-reflective tariffs because of political and social considerations has widened the financing gap.

“Government intervention remains necessary in the short term to prevent a total system collapse and sustain electricity supply,” Yusuf said.

Analysts say the latest drop in power generation could further worsen electricity rationing across the country, forcing businesses to spend more on diesel and alternative power sources.

For households already battling high living costs, the development may mean longer blackout hours and additional financial strain as reliance on self-generated electricity rises.

Experts have urged the Federal Government to accelerate investment in gas infrastructure, modernise transmission facilities and address outstanding debts owed to generation companies to stabilise the sector.

Without urgent intervention, they warned, Nigeria’s ambition of achieving reliable and sustainable electricity supply may remain elusive.

Power Generation Drops by 20% as Nigerians Face Fresh Electricity Supply Woes