Seven major power plants across Nigeria are expected to face temporary gas supply constraints from February 12 to 15, 2026, as Seplat Energy Plc shuts down a key facility for scheduled maintenance. The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) warned that the move could reduce electricity generation and potentially lead to shortfalls or localized blackouts.
The affected plants include Egbin, Azura-Edo, Sapele, Transcorp, Olorunsogo, Omotosho, and NDPHC Sapele, which may experience direct or indirect reductions in gas supply due to network-wide balancing effects. NISO estimates the maintenance could cut generation by about 935 megawatts, roughly 19.7 per cent of Nigeria’s available thermal and hydro capacity of 4,753MW.
In a statement, NISO said it would deploy real-time operational measures to maintain grid stability and prioritise critical infrastructure and essential services in the event of load management. “Any load shedding, if required, will be implemented in a structured, transparent, and equitable manner in close coordination with distribution companies,” the notice read.
Seplat Energy and NNPC Limited described the maintenance as part of standard safety and asset integrity protocols. While the exercise will temporarily reduce gas supply into the NGIC pipeline network, both firms said mitigation measures are in place and full supply is expected to resume promptly after the four-day period.
Experts have criticised the planned shutdown, arguing it highlights systemic weaknesses in Nigeria’s power sector. Adetayo Adegbemle of PowerUp Nigeria called the situation evidence of poor long-term planning, stressing the need for gas storage and strategic reserves to shield electricity consumers from avoidable supply shocks.