NNPC Issues Warning of Possible Power Shortfall as Seplat Schedules Gas Plant Maintenance

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has alerted the public to a temporary reduction in electricity supply following a planned four-day maintenance shutdown of gas production facilities by its joint venture partner, Seplat Energy Plc. The company said the maintenance could slightly impact power generation across the country.

In a statement released by NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, the maintenance is set to take place from February 12 to February 15, 2026. The exercise, described as routine and in line with industry standards, aims to ensure the safety, reliability, and efficiency of critical gas infrastructure.

Seplat Energy, a major supplier of gas to the NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited (NGIC) pipeline network, will carry out the scheduled work to uphold asset integrity and operational safety. NNPC stressed that such periodic maintenance is essential for the long-term performance of gas facilities and to prevent unplanned outages.

The temporary shutdown is expected to reduce gas flow into the NGIC pipeline, which supplies several thermal power plants and industrial users nationwide. Consequently, some electricity generation companies may face limited gas availability, potentially causing a moderate decline in power output during the maintenance period.

Gas-fired plants account for more than 70 percent of Nigeria’s installed power capacity, with most receiving fuel through the NGIC network and related pipelines connecting Niger Delta producers to generation centres in the South-West and other regions. Historically, interruptions in gas supply — caused by pipeline vandalism, technical faults, or payment issues — have often led to reduced generation, prompting the system operator to implement load management measures.

NNPC reassured stakeholders that measures are being taken to mitigate the impact of the shutdown. The company confirmed it is coordinating closely with Seplat Energy to ensure the maintenance is completed safely and on schedule. In addition, NNPC Gas Marketing Limited is engaging alternative gas suppliers to fill potential gaps and maintain network stability.

The company further stated that normal gas supply to the NGIC system will resume immediately after the maintenance, allowing affected power plants to return to standard operations. Updates will be provided if necessary.

While the maintenance is necessary for the long-term reliability of the infrastructure, it highlights the sensitive link between Nigeria’s upstream gas sector and electricity supply. With grid generation typically ranging between 4,000MW and 5,000MW despite higher installed capacity, even short-term supply disruptions can affect distribution networks and end users.

The advisory comes amid ongoing electricity sector reforms and the Federal Government’s efforts to expand gas utilisation under the “Decade of Gas” initiative. Industry experts emphasise that continued investment in infrastructure redundancy, storage, and diversified energy sources is critical to reducing the grid’s vulnerability to periodic gas supply interruptions.