Nigeria’s power plants operated at just 31% capacity in April 2026.
Nigeria’s power plants operated at only 31% capacity in April — NERC
Nigeria’s grid-connected power plants operated at just 31 per cent of their installed capacity in April 2026, according to the latest operational performance report released by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
The report showed that average available generation stood at 4,286 megawatts (MW) out of a total installed capacity of 13,625MW across 28 power plants connected to the national grid.
Despite the low availability, NERC noted that dispatch performance remained relatively strong, with plants recording an average hourly generation of 4,048 megawatt-hours per hour (MWh/h), representing a load factor of 94 per cent.
“Only 4,286MW was available for dispatch out of the 13,625MW installed capacity.”
The regulator explained that the figures highlight the persistent gap between Nigeria’s installed electricity generation capacity and the actual power available for consumers.
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Voltage and frequency instability continued across the national grid.
NERC also raised concerns over persistent instability within the national transmission network, revealing that both voltage and frequency levels exceeded approved operational limits during April.
According to the report, the monthly average lower grid voltage was 302.60 kilovolts (kV), while the upper voltage reached 353.40kV, outside the permissible range of 313.50kV to 346.50kV.
System frequency also breached operational thresholds, with the lower frequency recorded at 49.20 hertz (Hz) and the upper frequency at 50.76Hz, above the allowable range of 49.75Hz to 50.25Hz.
“Voltage and frequency instability remain major threats to grid reliability.”
Industry experts warn that frequency fluctuations can trigger widespread disturbances, including partial or complete grid collapses, especially when electricity demand and generation become imbalanced.
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A few high-performing plants continue to dominate Nigeria’s electricity supply.
The report identified Egbin, Kainji, Jebba, Ihovbor, Delta, Shiroro and Afam among the top-performing power plants during the review period.
Egbin emerged as the largest contributor with 557MW available out of its 1,320MW installed capacity, while Ihovbor 2 achieved one of the strongest performances with 100 per cent plant availability.
However, several plants recorded severe underperformance. Olorunsogo 2 had only four per cent availability despite its large installed capacity, while Alaoji 1, Ibom Power 1 and Rivers 1 recorded zero availability.
“Nigeria still depends heavily on a small number of high-performing power plants.”
The latest data reinforce long-standing structural challenges in Nigeria’s electricity sector, including gas supply shortages, maintenance issues, transmission bottlenecks and weak grid stability.
Energy analysts say meaningful improvement in electricity supply will require sustained investment in transmission infrastructure, generation efficiency and grid modernisation.
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(Source: Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission Operational Factsheet)
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Can Nigeria realistically solve its electricity crisis without major reforms in transmission and grid management?
Nigeria’s electricity challenge is no longer just about generating power. The deeper problem lies in weak infrastructure, unstable transmission systems and the inability to fully utilise installed generation capacity. Sustainable reforms will require long-term investment and operational discipline across the entire power sector.