NNPC Issues Warning Over Power Supply Disruptions Following Seplat Gas Plant Maintenance
In a development that has sparked fresh concerns across Nigeria's electricity sector, NNPC Limited has announced that its joint venture partner, Seplat Energy, will temporarily shut down its gas production facilities for routine maintenance. This move comes just days after a federal alert regarding looming power constraints, heightening anxieties about potential nationwide electricity shortages.
Details of the Scheduled Shutdown
The maintenance exercise is scheduled to run from February 12 to February 15, 2026, as confirmed by NNPC's Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh. In a statement titled "Scheduled Maintenance on Major Gas Plant and Facilities," the shutdown was described as mandatory and aligned with global industry standards for safety and asset integrity. Seplat is a critical supplier of gas to the NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company pipeline network, which feeds multiple thermal power plants and industrial users across Nigeria.
During this four-day period, gas supply to several power generation companies is expected to be reduced, potentially leading to lower electricity output. NNPC has reassured stakeholders that it is working closely with Seplat to ensure the maintenance is completed safely and on schedule, with efforts to engage alternative gas suppliers to mitigate the impact.
Impact on Nigeria's Power Grid
Nigeria's power grid heavily relies on gas-fired plants, accounting for over 70% of installed generation capacity. With average grid generation typically between 4,000 and 5,000 megawatts, even minor supply disruptions can strain the already fragile system. Past incidents of gas supply interruptions due to vandalism, technical faults, or financial constraints have resulted in load shedding and blackouts in major cities.
The timing of this maintenance highlights the tight connection between upstream gas operations and electricity stability, underscoring ongoing challenges in the energy sector. Industry observers note that this situation emphasizes the urgent need for investment in redundancy, gas storage infrastructure, and diversified energy sources like renewables to buffer against such disruptions.
Broader Energy Context and Reforms
This shutdown occurs amid Nigeria's electricity market reforms and the Federal Government's "Decade of Gas" initiative aimed at deepening gas utilization. However, the vulnerability of the grid to short-term gas production issues remains a concern. For millions of Nigerians already dealing with erratic power supply, the coming days may test the resilience of the national grid once again.
In related news, Power Generation Companies have criticized the federal government's plan to share electricity subsidy costs among federal, state, and local governments from 2026, arguing that claims of existing subsidies lack verifiable evidence. This adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing energy challenges facing the country.
