Nigeria Blackout Fears Rise as Seplat Gas Plant Maintenance Threatens 934MW Power Shortfall
Fears of widespread electricity disruptions are mounting across Nigeria following the announcement of scheduled maintenance at a major gas facility operated by Seplat Energy. The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has warned that at least seven grid-connected power plants could face gas supply constraints between February 12 and 15, 2026 — a development that may temporarily weaken electricity supply nationwide. For millions of Nigerians already grappling with erratic power, the news has reignited concerns about looming blackouts.
According to NISO, the maintenance will reduce gas availability to thermal power stations including Egbin Power Plc, Azura-Edo Power Plant, Sapele Power Plant, and Transcorp Power Limited, while others such as NDPHC Sapele Plant, Olorunsogo Power Plant, and Omotosho Power Plant may experience indirect effects due to gas balancing across the network. Earlier assessments suggest the exercise could result in a generation shortfall of about 934.96 megawatts — nearly 20 per cent of the 4,753.10MW currently available on the national grid.
In a joint statement involving NISO management and the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Andy Odeh, authorities assured Nigerians that the shutdown is routine and necessary for safety and asset integrity. The maintenance affects gas supply into the NGIC pipeline network, a critical backbone for thermal generation. While full supply is expected to resume on February 16, operators say temporary load management may be required, with priority given to essential services and national security installations.
Nigeria’s electricity grid remains heavily dependent on gas-fired plants, which account for more than 70 per cent of installed capacity despite the country holding Africa’s largest proven gas reserves. Yet recurring pipeline constraints, vandalism, infrastructure bottlenecks, and maintenance-related shutdowns have repeatedly exposed the fragility of the supply chain. Industry data show that although installed generation capacity exceeds 13,000MW, actual output often fluctuates between 4,000MW and 5,000MW — far below national demand.
Energy policy advocates say the latest development underscores deeper structural weaknesses. The Executive Director of PowerUp Nigeria, Adetayo Adegbemle, criticised what he described as inadequate long-term planning, arguing that strategic gas storage facilities could cushion routine maintenance shocks. For everyday Nigerians, however, the implications are more immediate: darker homes, louder generators, and higher fuel costs. As Nigeria pursues reforms under the Electricity Act and seeks investor confidence in its restructured power market, the current Nigeria blackout fears highlight a persistent reality — the nation’s power stability remains closely tied to the reliability of its gas supply chain.
source: punch