By CONSTANCE ATHEKAME

The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) says it is closely monitoring repair work by the Nigerian Gas Processing and Transportation Company (NGPTC) following recent Escravos-Lagos Gas Pipeline (ELP) explosion.

The system operator said that NGPTC is a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

In a statement on Tuesday night in Abuja, the NISO’s management said that the explosion caused a significant drop in electricity generation.

"NISO wishes to inform the general public and power sector stakeholders that it is closely monitoring the ongoing repair work by the Nigerian Gas Processing and Transportation Company (NGPTC).

"This explosion caused a significant drop in electricity generation.

"Recall that, following the explosion, several gas-fired power stations recorded low outputs, reducing available generation capacity on the national grid and resulting in a shortfall in electricity supply to customers,” it said

The statement said that NISO was in close contact with the NGPTC and had been assured that restoration work on the vandalised pipeline is nearing completion.

"It is expected that the vandalised pipeline will be fully operational within the next 24-48 hours, allowing the affected power plants to resume operations and restore full electricity supply to Nigerians,” it added. (NAN)

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