FG Threatens to Cut Off Power Firms Over Grid Control

The Nigerian government has warned that generating companies (GenCos) risk being cut off from the national grid if they fail to comply with new requirements for free government control (FGC) of all generating units.

The measure, according to officials, is aimed at preventing further national grid collapses, which have repeatedly plunged the country into widespread blackouts.

The directive was issued by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) under Order No. NERC/2025/094, which takes effect on September 1, 2025.

It was jointly signed in August by:

• Musiliu Oseni, NERC Vice-Chairman

• Dafe Akpeneye, Commissioner of Legal, Licensing, and Compliance

According to the order:

• Any generating unit that refuses to implement FGC for 90 consecutive days risks complete disconnection from the grid.

• FGC enables turbines and generators to automatically adjust output in response to grid frequency fluctuations.

• This is a core part of Section 12.6.2 of the Grid Code, which mandates all units to be fitted with fast-acting frequency controls capable of stabilizing turbine speed and power output during deviations.

Nigeria’s fragile power grid has suffered multiple collapses in recent years, largely due to instability in supply and failure to maintain system frequency.

By enforcing FGC compliance, regulators aim to:

• Strengthen grid stability

• Reduce the risk of nationwide blackouts

• Improve reliability for consumers and industries