Mechanical Faults and Gas Supply Challenges Hit Grid Output, Regulator Reports
Nigeria’s electricity generation on the national grid declined by 7.15 percent in the third quarter of 2025, according to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
In its latest quarterly report released on Tuesday, the regulator disclosed that average hourly power generation fell to 4,179.15 megawatt-hours (MWh) in Q3, resulting in a total output of 9,227.57 gigawatt-hours (GWh) during the period.
This represents a drop of 602.74GWh from the 9,830.31GWh recorded in the second quarter of the year.
NERC noted that the decline was widespread across power plants connected to the national grid, with 20 generation plants recording reduced average hourly output between Q2 and Q3.
Among the most affected facilities were Ihovbor Power Plant (Unit 2), which posted the largest decline at 79.97MWh per hour, followed by Geregu Units 1 and 2, Egbin Unit 1, Kainji Unit 1, and Sapele Unit 2.
However, the report showed that a few plants recorded improved performance during the quarter. Okpai Unit 1 led the gains with an increase of 58.82MWh per hour, while Jebba Unit 1, Omoku Unit 1, and Dadin-Kowa Unit 1 also posted moderate improvements.
Hydro and Thermal Plants Affected
NERC explained that the combined output of the country’s five grid-connected hydroelectric power plants dipped slightly in Q3, declining by 3.23MWh per hour, largely due to reduced generation at Kainji Power Plant.
Minor output reductions were also recorded at Shiroro and Zungeru hydro plants.
The situation was more pronounced among thermal power plants, where cumulative average hourly generation fell by 318.68MWh per hour, representing a 10.14 percent decline. Out of 23 grid-connected thermal plants, 17 recorded lower output during the quarter.
Ihovbor, Geregu, and Egbin plants were identified as the biggest contributors to the overall reduction in thermal generation.
Causes of the Decline
According to the regulator, the drop in power generation during the period was primarily caused by mechanical breakdowns and gas supply constraints, which affected several grid-connected power plants.
NERC said it continues to monitor the performance of generation companies and engage stakeholders to address operational challenges impacting electricity supply nationwide.
