Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has assured Nigerians of imminent improvement in electricity supply as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to address the gas supply crisis crippling power generation.
In a message marking Eid al-Fitr, Adelabu said reforms introduced under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are beginning to yield results, expressing optimism that citizens will soon experience more stable power.
“The reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu are beginning to take root, and Nigerians will soon witness the full benefits,” he said.
The assurance comes amid a deepening crisis in the power sector, where gas suppliers have suspended deliveries to thermal plants over an estimated ₦3.3 trillion debt owed by generation companies. The standoff has reduced electricity output to below 4,000 megawatts in recent weeks, triggering widespread blackouts across the country.
Thermal power plants require about 1,629.75 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to operate efficiently. However, data from the Nigerian Independent System Operator shows that supply stood at roughly 692 million standard cubic feet as of February 23, representing only 43 per cent of required capacity.
Industry stakeholders have raised concerns over the sustainability of the sector. Dr Joy Ogaji, Chief Executive of the Association of Power Generation Companies, warned that mounting debts across the power value chain are pushing the industry towards a critical tipping point, with gas suppliers withdrawing services due to unpaid obligations.
Read also:
- Power Outage: Adelabu assures Nigerians of electricity restoration within 48 hours after pipeline explosion
- EEDC apologises to South-East customers over power outage
- APWEN hails Governor Douye Diri’s 60MW Gas Power Project, says Elebele Plant will end Bayelsa’s chronic power outages
The situation has worsened living conditions for many Nigerians, especially amid rising temperatures and increasing fuel costs, which have made reliance on private generators more expensive.
Adelabu said the government is implementing measures aimed at ensuring reliable and sustainable electricity supply for households, businesses, and industries, although he did not provide specific timelines.
He described the current challenges as part of a broader reform process, noting that resolving gas supply constraints remains central to stabilising the sector.
The minister also referenced recent engagements by President Tinubu in the United Kingdom, suggesting they could attract investment into Nigeria’s power infrastructure.
He urged Nigerians to remain patient, emphasising that ongoing reforms require collective support to achieve long-term stability in the electricity sector.
