Nigerians face a deepening electricity crisis as gas suppliers have threatened to cut supplies to power plants over an accumulated debt now exceeding N6.8 trillion, the Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC) has warned. The threat points to a further deterioration of the country’s already erratic power supply.
The APGC, representing electricity generation companies (Gencos), stated that outstanding payments to gas suppliers are directly responsible for the current severe gas shortages. This has crippled output from thermal power plants, which form the backbone of Nigeria’s grid. As of Wednesday, gas-fired plants were only managing to generate 3,334 megawatts for the national grid.
Dr. Joy Ogaji, APGC Chief Executive Officer, detailed the debt trajectory. She explained that from 2015 to December 2024, the debt grew to N4 trillion. A consistent monthly shortfall of N200 billion throughout 2025 added N2.4 trillion, reaching N6.4 trillion by end-December 2025. The debt further climbed to N6.6 trillion in January 2026 and N6.8 trillion in February 2026. “Gas is not available because the gas suppliers have told us that if we need gas, we need to put money on the ground,” Ogaji said, confirming the debt is the primary cause of the widespread darkness.
The Federal Government’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, acknowledged the issue, stating through a spokesperson that it is being addressed jointly with the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo. However, tangible improvements in power supply remain unseen by the public.
The energy crisis is compounded by soaring fuel costs. The price of diesel has surged to over N1,600 per litre, and petrol prices have risen following adjustments by the Dangote Refinery. This increase is linked to global crude oil price pressures stemming from geopolitical tensions. For many Nigerians, these dual pressures—an unstable national grid and high costs for alternative power sources—have intensified economic hardship since the decline in supply began late last year.
The standoff highlights the systemic financial strains within Nigeria’s power sector value chain. Without a resolution to the multi-trillion naira debt, the threat of a complete gas supply halt looms, potentially pushing the national grid’s generation capacity even lower and extending the period of unreliable electricity for millions of consumers and businesses.
