Nigeria’s electricity generation increased by 10.92% in the first quarter of 2025, driven by improved performance and availability of thermal and hydropower plants supplying the national grid.
According to the Q1 2025 report by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), total energy generated reached 10,304.47 gigawatt-hours (GWh), up from 9,289.95 GWh in the previous quarter.
Nigeria’s Power Generation Rises in Q1 2025 Amid Improved Grid Conditions
Nigeria recorded a notable increase in electricity generation in the first quarter of 2025, driven by stronger performance across multiple power plants and improved grid dispatch efficiency.
According to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), average hourly electricity generation rose by 13.39%, reaching 4,770.59 megawatt-hours per hour (MWh/h)—an increase of 563.18 MWh/h from the 4,207.41 MWh/h recorded in Q4 2024.
Total power generated for the quarter also increased by 10.92%, climbing from 9,289.95 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in Q4 2024 to 10,304.47 GWh in Q1 2025. NERC attributed the rise to a higher cumulative generation capacity across grid-connected power plants.
Nineteen power plants reported increased output during the quarter, significantly boosting overall grid performance.
Key Drivers of Growth
Thermal power plants led the surge in generation. Out of 23 thermal stations connected to the national grid, 16 posted higher average hourly output compared to the previous quarter. Notable contributors included:
- Delta_1: +157.58 MWh/h
- Geregu_2: +71.95 MWh/h
- Egbin_1: +68.20 MWh/h
- Afam_2: +68.03 MWh/h
Hydropower plants also recorded modest growth. The five grid-connected hydro stations added a combined 54.93 MWh/h, reflecting a 4% improvement quarter-on-quarter. Among them, Zungeru_1 led with a 23.55% increase, followed by Shiroro_1 (+12.21%) and Kainji_1 (+4.80%).
Broader Impact and Challenges
The Q1 performance reflects ongoing progress in stabilizing Nigeria’s electricity supply through better maintenance, improved grid coordination, and more efficient dispatch operations.
However, key challenges remain, including irregular fuel supply, equipment reliability issues, and high operational costs, all of which continue to constrain consistent power generation.
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