4,047MW Generated, But Stability Still Eludes Nigeria’s Power Grid

Nigeria’s electricity grid operated outside prescribed frequency and voltage limits in October 2026, despite power plants utilising 85 per cent of their available generation capacity, according to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.

The NERC disclosure was contained in the commission’s October 2026 Operational Performance Factsheet, released on Wednesday, ValidViewNetwork reports.

THE NUMBERS

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Average available generation capacity stood at 4,744 megawatts in October, while average hourly generation was 4,047MW, indicating that 85 per cent of available capacity was utilised .However, the grid operated outside the prescribed frequency range.

The average lower grid frequency was 49.46 Hz, and the average upper grid frequency was 50.66 Hz, both exceeding the prescribed limits of 49.75 Hz to 50.25 Hz .

Voltage levels also deviated. The monthly average lower grid voltage was 305.00 kV, and the average upper grid voltage was 353.94 kV, both outside the prescribed range of 313.50 kV to 346.50 kV .

THE PLANT PERFORMANCE

Jebba recorded the highest load factor among the leading generators at 99 per cent, producing an average of 423MW against an available capacity of 429MW.

Omotosho followed with 97 per cent, while Afam recorded 94 per cent .

Odukpani had the lowest load factor among the top 10 plants, at 66 per cent, generating 202MW against an available capacity of 305MW .

THE ANALYTICAL LENS

High utilisation does not equal stability.Nigeria’s power plants are generating as much as they can from the capacity available to them.

But the grid itself, the network that transmits and distributes that power, is unstable. Frequency and voltage are fluctuating outside the limits that ensure safe, reliable supply.

The problem is not generation. It is infrastructure. The grid is old, under-maintained, and unable to handle the load it is being asked to carry.

The report has been released. The data is clear. And the question is whether anyone will act to fix the system before the next collapse. ValidViewNetwork reports.