Nigeria’s Power Generation Crisis Deepens
The power generation crisis in Nigeria escalated in April 2026, as only 10 of the country’s 28 power plants generated 81 percent of the total power output. This comes amid ongoing challenges related to weak overall power plant availability and grid stability that remains non-compliant with regulatory standards.
Installed Capacity and Actual Output
Recent data from the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) reveals that of the nation’s 13,625 megawatts (MW) of installed power generation capacity, only 4,286 MW was available for distribution, equating to a mere 31% of potential output. This indicates that approximately 69% of the installed capacity of grid-connected plants was either dormant or unavailable during the reported period.
Utilization Rates Despite Low Capacity
Despite the limited available capacity, the sector achieved an average power generation of 4,048 megawatt-hours per hour (MWh/h), reflecting a high load factor of 94%. This data suggests that nearly all available power was utilized once it became operational, underscoring the effectiveness of existing plants when they are functional.
Grid Health and Stability Concerns
The report also highlighted alarming issues regarding the power grid’s stability, showing operations outside the prescribed voltage and frequency limits. The average lower system voltage fell to 302.60 kilovolts (kV), below the minimum threshold of 313.50 kV, while the upper voltage level rose to 353.40 kV, surpassing the maximum limit of 346.50 kV.
Frequency Stability Issues
Moreover, frequency stability remained a significant concern, as the average lower grid frequency dropped to 49.20 hertz (Hz), below the acceptable limit of 49.75 Hz, while the upper frequency reached 50.76 Hz, exceeding the maximum threshold of 50.25 Hz. Experts in the industry have consistently linked such fluctuations to recurring power grid failures, system collapses, and damage to both industrial and residential electrical equipment.
Performance of Major Power Plants
Among the various power-generating entities, Egbin Power Station stood out as the largest contributor to the country’s electricity generation in April. The facility recorded an average available capacity of 557 MW from an installed capacity of 1,320 MW, achieving a 42% utilization rate. It generated an average output of 520 MWh/h, resulting in a commendable load factor of 93%.
Emerging Leaders in Operational Efficiency
The Haeinsa Hydropower Plant also displayed exceptional operational efficiency, distributing 473 MW of its 760 MW installed capacity, which reflects a 62% availability rate paired with a high load factor of 97% and a generation of 460 MWh/h. The Jebba Hydro facility recorded a 68% availability with 393 MW out of 578 MW installed, generating 376 MWh/h at a 95% load factor.
Significant Underperformance of Major Facilities
In stark contrast, several major power plants, especially gas-fired ones, underperformed significantly. For instance, Olorunsogo-2, capable of 750 MW, operated at just 4% capacity utilization, while the Sapele Steam Plant recorded only 5 MW available for use, leading to a utilization rate of just 1%. Other notable failures included the Alaoji power plant, which had zero output and could not generate power at all during the month, along with Ibom Power and Rivers IPP, which also reported no available capacity.
Structural Weaknesses in the Power Sector
NERC’s latest statistics underline the structural vulnerabilities endemic to Nigeria’s power sector. A small handful of operational power plants continues to bear the weight of electricity supply in the face of chronic gas shortages, aging infrastructure, transmission bottlenecks, and liquidity issues. Despite numerous reform initiatives and privatization attempts since 2013, Nigeria’s power generation capabilities remain severely constrained, with available electricity supply falling drastically short of the estimated demand exceeding 30,000 MW.
