Nigerians Brace for Worsening Power Crisis Amid N6.8 Trillion Gas Debt

|By Babatunji Wusu

Nigerians are set to face further power outages as electricity generation companies warn that gas suppliers may halt supply over an accumulated N6.8 trillion debt owed by the Federal Government.

Dr. Joy Ogaji, Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Power Generation Companies (Gencos), disclosed this during an interview on Fresh FM, attributing the persistent power outages to the growing debt owed to gas suppliers.

According to Ogaji, Nigeria currently relies on gas-powered thermal plants that are producing only 3,334 megawatts to the national grid as of Wednesday, leaving millions of households and businesses in darkness.

She explained that gas suppliers have refused to provide fuel without upfront payments, citing the enormous debt, which has escalated steadily over the years.

“From 2015 to December 2024, the debt profile grew to N4 trillion. Each month of 2025 added a shortfall of N200 billion, making N2.4 trillion for the year. By the end of February 2026, the debt had reached N6.8 trillion,” Ogaji said. “Yes, it is 120 percent correct to say that the debt is the reason why we are in darkness.”

Meanwhile, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who is currently pursuing a governorship bid in Oyo State, reassured Nigerians that the issue is being addressed. Through his spokesperson, Bolaji Tunji, he stated that the matter is being jointly handled with the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo.

Despite government assurances, Nigerians continue to endure epileptic power supply that has plagued the country since December 2025, with many households turning to costly alternatives.

The situation has been further compounded by a surge in fuel and diesel prices, now averaging over N1,100 and N1,600 per liter, respectively. Analysts link the spike to the Dangote Refinery’s gantry price adjustments following global oil tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.