GAS SHORTFALL THREATEN BLACKOUT.

Chief Adebayo A. Adelabu

Reduced gas supply has heightened risk of electricity outages nationwide – Olukemi Odoh reports.

Nigerians face the possibility of widespread power supply disruptions as gas producers begin cutting supplies to thermal power stations across the country, further weakening electricity generation already under pressure due to persistent gas constraints.

The shortage of gas supplies has been linked to unpaid debts owed by generation companies to natural gas suppliers, leading to a reduction in fuel availability for power plants and a notable drop in electricity generation.

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) issued a notice to customers in the South-East region warning that the reduction in power supply availability was due to low system frequency triggered by gas constraints affecting generation companies. The transmission company has been forced to implement load shedding, further reducing electricity allocation to distribution companies and limiting daily service levels.

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Gas producers previously halted supplies to thermal power stations over outstanding debts, which in early 2024 led to prolonged reductions in national electricity generation. Although government intervention earlier this year temporarily eased those pressures, the underlying liquidity challenges persist, and many gas companies have continued to supply feedstock without full payment, contributing to renewed supply cutbacks.

On December 4, 2025, the Federal Government approved the release of N185 billion to address outstanding debts owedto natural gas suppliers, aiming to ease liquidity constraints and boost electricity generation nationwide. However, gas companies have reportedly begun reducing supply despite this approval, compounding the challenges facing generation companies.

In addition to financial issues, the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) reported that recent incidents of gas pipeline vandalism have further disrupted supply toseveral gas-fired power plants, leading to a further decline in available generation capacity on the national grid. NISO said the reduced gas availability forced multiple power stations to operate at significantly lower output, affecting overall electricity supply across the country.

NISO stated that emergency responses, including increased generation from hydropower stations, re-dispatch of available generation, voltage control measures, and other operational adjustments, have been put in place to maintain grid stability amid the crisis. The system operator also said it is closely monitoring conditions such as system frequency and voltage profiles to manage supply reliability.