Nigeria’s Power Supply Falls Sharply as Grid Runs at One‑Third Capacity in January

New data from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission shows that the country’s power system delivered only a fraction of its potential electricity generation in January 2026, with grid‑connected plants producing far below installed capacity. Despite having the capability to generate more than 13,000 megawatts, only around 4,900 MW of electricity was available for supply to homes and businesses, highlighting ongoing challenges in the sector.

The figures reveal persistent instability in the national grid, with irregular frequency levels also recorded during the month — a sign of operational stress that can affect reliability. These results indicate that major power plants are underperforming and that the nation continues to grapple with limited generation and transmission capabilities.

Despite the low output, the amount of power that was available saw high utilisation, suggesting strong demand relative to the limited supply. Analysts say the shortfall has real consequences for residents and businesses already dealing with frequent outages and unreliable electricity.

The latest data underscores the need for improvements in infrastructure, maintenance, and sector governance if Nigeria is to make meaningful progress toward more dependable and broader access to electricity.