NNPC says Gas Network Not Responsible for Drop in Power Generation

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited says its gas transportation network has no operational constraints responsible for the recent decline in electricity generation.

In a statement on Friday, Andy Odeh, NNPC’s chief corporate communications officer, said the network operated by NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited (NGIC), a subsidiary of the NNPC, remains available to support gas deliveries to power-generating stations nationwide.

“NGIC’s operational records do not indicate transportation-related constraints within its network that explain the current decline in electricity generation,” Odeh said.

The clarification followed a November 5 statement by the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), which attributed the lower power generation partly to limited gas availability and reduced water inflows into hydroelectric stations.

Specifically, the system operator said the limited availability of “gas has constrained the capacity of affected thermal generating stations to operate at their available levels, while reduced water inflows into reservoirs have impacted the generation capacity of hydroelectric power stations”.

The NNPC, however, said the availability of its gas transportation infrastructure should be assessed separately from gas production, commercial supply arrangements, and actual deliveries to individual power plants.

The company said gas production volumes had grown by about 10 percent year-to-date in 2026, citing efforts to implement the federal government’s gas development and monetisation agenda.

“Gas supply availability is therefore not a challenge as NNPC remains committed to supporting efforts to improve electricity generation through safe, reliable and efficient gas supply and transportation,” it said.

NNPC CALLS FOR REVIEW OF GAS-TO-POWER CHAIN

The company said determining the cause of the power shortfall requires a broader assessment of the gas-to-power value chain.

According to the oil firm, the review should cover the availability and operational readiness of generating units, plant maintenance schedules, and actual gas offtake, noting that these factors determine whether gas supplied to power plants can be converted into electricity.

“Gas production, commercial supply arrangements and actual deliveries to individual power plants must be assessed separately from the availability of transportation infrastructure,” the NNPC said.

The company called for a coordinated review of operational data by gas suppliers, transporters, power generators, and NISO to identify specific constraints and determine appropriate interventions.

The national oil firm said accurate reporting across the gas-to-power value chain is necessary to address the challenges and sustain public confidence.

“Our focus remains on dependable energy infrastructure and constructive collaboration that helps translate Nigeria’s gas resources into more reliable electricity for Nigerians,” the company said.

The development comes amid the incessant shortfall in electricity generation, which has contributed to power supply disruptions in parts of the country.

Earlier today, Joseph Tegbe, minister of power, said the planned maintenance at Egbin power station, gas supply constraints and sabotage of transmission lines were responsible for the ongoing electricity outages in four states, including Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Tegbe said the affected generating units would return to service in phases, with the first units expected back online within the next 48 to 72 hours.