NNPC: Power generation may dip as Seplat conducts gas maintenance

2026-02-12 - 13:28

By Obas Esiedesa, Abuja Electricity generation across Nigeria is expected to dip temporarily as scheduled maintenance on a major gas facility reduces supply to several thermal power plants. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) announced on Thursday that Seplat Energy Plc, a joint venture partner and key supplier to the NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited (NGIC) pipeline network, will carry out routine maintenance on its gas production facilities from February 12 to 15, 2026. According to NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, the four-day exercise is part of standard safety and asset integrity protocols to ensure the continued reliability and efficiency of critical gas infrastructure. “As a result, some power generation companies reliant on this supply may experience reduced gas availability, which could modestly impact electricity generation levels within the timeframe,” the company stated. NNPC added that its subsidiary, NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML), is engaging alternative suppliers to bridge anticipated gaps and maintain network stability. Full gas supply is expected to resume promptly after the maintenance. Confirming the development, the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) said it had received formal notification of the planned shutdown and warned of potential gas supply constraints affecting major thermal plants connected to the national grid. Power stations likely to be directly impacted include Egbin, Azura, Sapele, and Transcorp, while others such as NDPHC Sapele, Olorunsogo, and Omotosho may experience indirect effects due to network-wide gas balancing. NISO noted that the temporary reduction in gas availability would lead to a decline in thermal generation capacity, highlighting the need for careful system management to maintain grid stability. The operator added that any load shedding, if necessary, would be structured, transparent, and coordinated with Distribution Companies (DisCos), with priority given to critical national infrastructure, essential services, and security installations. The National Control Centre will intensify monitoring and contingency planning throughout the maintenance period. Both NNPC and NISO appealed for public understanding, emphasizing that the exercise is vital to ensure the long-term safety, reliability, and sustainability of Nigeria’s gas infrastructure supporting the power sector. Full gas supply is expected to be restored on February 16, 2026.