NNPC Denies Gas Supply Constraints Contributing to Nigeria's Low Power Generation

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has denied that constraints in its gas transportation network are contributing to the decline in electricity generation across Nigeria. In a statement, NNPC's Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, said the company's pipelines remain available to transport gas to power plants nationwide without any constraints. NNPC's gas infrastructure subsidiary, NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited (NGIC), operates the transportation network.

The denial comes after the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) identified limited gas availability and reduced water inflows to hydroelectric power stations as factors contributing to lower electricity generation. NISO's statement was in response to the recent decline in electricity supply across major Nigerian cities, including Lagos and Abuja. The situation has worsened concerns over the country's power supply, compounded by high temperatures and extreme heat as the rainy season draws to a close.

Nigeria's Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, attributed the outages to planned maintenance at Egbin Power Station and gas supply constraints affecting some thermal power plants. The minister said he and his team were working to return the affected generating units to service in phases, with the first units expected to come back online within 48 to 72 hours. The minister also mentioned efforts to improve gas supply and accelerate repairs to damaged infrastructure.

NNPC maintained that the availability of its gas transportation infrastructure was not a challenge, reaffirming its commitment to supporting efforts to improve electricity generation through safe, reliable, and efficient gas supply and transportation. The company explained that gas production, commercial supply arrangements, and actual deliveries to individual power plants must be assessed separately from the availability of transportation infrastructure.

NNPC called for a coordinated review of operational data by gas suppliers, transporters, power generators, and NISO to identify specific constraints and guide appropriate interventions. The company stressed that accurate reporting across the gas-to-power value chain was essential to resolving the challenges and sustaining public confidence. NNPC's focus remains on dependable energy infrastructure and constructive collaboration to translate Nigeria's gas resources into more reliable electricity.

The power shortages have placed additional pressure on businesses and households, particularly as petrol prices remain elevated. Many Nigerians are turning to solar systems and inverters to meet their electricity needs. The situation has highlighted the need for a comprehensive assessment of the challenges facing the power sector, including the availability and operational readiness of generating units, plant maintenance schedules, and actual gas offtake.

NNPC added that it remained committed to actualising the federal government's gas development and monetisation agenda, which has contributed to approximately 10 per cent growth in gas production volumes year-to-date in 2026. The company's commitment to dependable energy infrastructure and collaboration aims to help resolve the power supply challenges facing Nigeria.

Key points

• NNPC denies that its gas transportation network is a constraint on power generation.
• The company calls for a coordinated review of operational data to identify specific constraints.
• Nigeria's power supply challenges are attributed to various factors, including limited gas availability and reduced water inflows to hydroelectric power stations.