NNPC Denies Gas Pipeline Constraints Caused Nigeria Power Drop

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has dismissed claims that constraints within its gas transportation network caused a recent decline in national electricity generation. In statements issued on November 7, the state oil company asserted that the network operated by its subsidiary, NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited, remains fully available to support power stations nationwide.

This position contradicts a November 5 report from the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), which identified limited gas availability and reduced water inflows to hydroelectric stations as primary causes for the power drop. NNPC countered that gas production has grown by approximately 10% year-to-date in 2026, arguing that the shortfall likely stems from plant maintenance, the operational readiness of generating units, or commercial supply arrangements.

Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe attributed recent outages to planned maintenance at Egbin Power Station and gas supply constraints at some thermal plants, estimating that affected units would return to service within 48 to 72 hours. To resolve the conflicting accounts, NNPC has called for a coordinated review involving gas suppliers, transporters, power generators, and NISO to identify specific constraints and necessary interventions.