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By Daniel Adaji
Nigeria’s national grid allocation to electricity distribution companies dropped by 423 megawatts within seven days, deepening supply concerns across the country despite official assurances that generation would improve.
Data on the national grid obtained by Pointblanknews.com on Wednesday from the X handle of the Nigeria National Grid showed that total load allocation fell from 3,409MW on February 25, 2026, to 2,986MW as of 8:19pm on March 3, 2026.
The figures reveal a steady decline in supply to most Distribution Companies (DisCos) during the period under review.
On February 25 at 8:40am, Abuja DisCo received 521MW; Ikeja DisCo, 515MW; Eko DisCo, 440MW; Ibadan DisCo, 409MW; Benin DisCo, 276MW; Enugu DisCo, 266MW; Port Harcourt DisCo, 242MW; Kano DisCo, 228MW; Kaduna DisCo, 222MW; Jos DisCo, 191MW; and Yola DisCo, 99MW, bringing the total to 3,409MW.
However, by March 3 at 8:19pm, allocations had dropped across the board: Abuja DisCo received 517MW; Ikeja DisCo, 511MW; Eko DisCo, 436MW; Ibadan DisCo, 322MW; Port Harcourt DisCo, 188MW; Benin DisCo, 218MW; Enugu DisCo, 209MW; Kaduna DisCo, 170MW; Kano DisCo, 182MW; Jos DisCo, 152MW; and Yola DisCo, 81MW, reducing the total to 2,986MW.
The 423MW decline comes amid a recent explanation by the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), which attributed falling output to gas supply constraints.
In a press release titled “Declining Power Output Attributable to Generation Shortfalls and Gas Supply Limitations,” the operator stated: “We hereby notify the general public and all market participants that the current average available generation of approximately 4,300MW is primarily due to inadequate gas supply to thermal generating stations.”
The statement added, “Given that thermal plants account for the dominant share of Nigeria’s generation mix, any disruption or limitation in gas supply directly affects available generation capacity and overall grid output. Consequently, the current energy allocated to Distribution Companies (DisCos) reflects the reduced supply available on the grid.”
Providing more details, NISO said thermal power plants require 1,629.75 million standard cubic feet (MMSCF) of gas per day to operate optimally. It disclosed that as of February 23, 2026, actual gas supply stood at about 692.00 MMSCF.
“The available gas supply represents less than 43% of the required volume, resulting in constrained generation output. The current low generation level is fundamentally driven by inadequate gas supply to thermal generating units, leading to reduced energy allocation to the DisCos,” the operator stated.
It also explained the operational implications of the shortfall: “When total system generation drops significantly, the Independent System Operator must implement load shedding across the system, while dispatching available energy in line with the NERC MYTO allocation percentages across all distribution networks to maintain grid stability and prevent system disturbances.”
While expressing regret, NISO assured consumers that it was working to restore supply. “While we regret the inconvenience this situation may cause electricity consumers and affected market participants, we will continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure full energy allocation as soon as gas supply improves and generation capacity is restored.”
Despite these assurances, consumers and industry players say the situation remains grim.
An official of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, who spoke anonymously, told our correspondent: “Despite the poor supply from the grid, the DISCOS are now prioritizing industrial areas keeping most residential areas in the dark. It’s a problem of load allocation.”
In Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Dumebi John said prolonged outages had taken a toll on her household. She lamented that a large quantity of her foodstuff was spoilt after days without electricity, forcing her family to depend on expensive fuel to power a small generator.
Similarly, a tailor, Musa Abdullahi, said he now closes his shop earlier than usual because he cannot afford to run his generator throughout the day. According to him, unstable supply has reduced his daily income and delayed customer orders.
A mother of three, Grace Okeke, described how erratic power has worsened sanitary conditions in her neighbourhood. With borehole pumps unable to function regularly and limited access to public water supply, residents now ration water.
She added that rising petrol prices, worsened by global tensions including the US-Iran war, have made it difficult for households to cushion the impact of blackouts