PENGASSAN strike causes power generation reduction by 1,100MW

The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) says the dispute between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN) and Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE has affected the gas supply chain,  resulting in  reduction in power generation by more than 1,100MW on September 28, 2025.

A statement by NISO in Abuja on Tuesday, said available generation in the National Grid fell sharply from over 4,300MW in the early hours of September 28, 2025 to about 3,200MW at the lowest point.

“NISO wishes to notify the public of recent major generation shortfalls on the National Grid, caused by industrial actions of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) within the gas supply chain.

“These disruptions triggered widespread gas shortages, reducing available generation from over 4,300 MW in the early hours Sept. 28th  to about 3,200 MW at the lowest point,” the statement said.

It added that the development heightened pressure on the grid, prompting emergency measures to stabilise supply and avert a nationwide blackout.

To mitigate the crisis, NISO said that it ramped up generation from major hydropower stations, injecting over 400MW to cushion the shortfall from gas-fired plants.

The agency said it also implemented real-time load adjustments, frequency support measures, and selective load shedding to preserve operational security.

NISO said it promptly deployed contingency measures to preserve the stability, security, and reliability of the National Grid.

According to the operator, the key interventions included, “Hydropower Optimisation: Strategic ramp-ups from major hydro stations, contributing over 400 MW of additional output to cushion the shortfall from gas-fired plants.

“Generation Dispatch and Load Balancing: Real-time load adjustments to match available generation with system demand, while preventing a system frequency collapse.

“Voltage and Frequency Support: Continuous deployment of reactive power compensation and reserve monitoring to safeguard system integrity.

“Demand-Side Management: Selective load shedding, applied as a last resort, to avert a system-wide collapse and ensure fair power distribution.”

According to NISO, these timely actions enabled the it and National Control Centre (NCC) to minimise the impact of the labour-induced gas shortages, sustain operational security, and maintain supply to critical loads, thereby averting a nationwide blackout.

The system operator reaffirmed its commitment to proactive grid management, operational excellence, and the application of best-in-class practices to guarantee a secure and reliable electricity supply for the nation.

Recall that PENGASSAN had  attributed its latest action to Dangote Refinery’s sacking over 800 staff members for joining the association.

The Federal Government had waded into the face-off between the Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN, with a way out yet to be found.