Nigeria’s power generation has surged by 25% over the past year, according to Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu. This increase marks a significant improvement in the country’s energy output, which had previously struggled to surpass 4,000 megawatts consistently. Adelabu made the announcement during the inaugural meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Power Sector Working Group held in Abuja, where he highlighted the progress made since his appointment and the critical role the power sector plays in driving national economic growth.
Adelabu emphasized that this achievement is a result of unwavering support from President Bola Tinubu, who has made revitalizing the power sector a top priority. “The President meant his words when he said he would give us all the support, all the backings, and the inspirations we require to turn around this sector. He has kept his word since he assumed office,” Adelabu stated. The minister pointed out that on July 27, Nigeria successfully generated and transmitted 5,105 megawatts of power, the highest level recorded in the last three years.
This increase in power generation reflects the government’s commitment to improving the sector, which had been plagued by numerous challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, inconsistent gas supply, and outdated equipment. Adelabu noted that the capacity had previously hovered around 4,000 megawatts or below. However, within a year of his leadership, there has been a marked increase in output. He expressed confidence in meeting the President’s directive to achieve a landmark generation and transmission capacity of 6,000 megawatts by December.
The minister also underscored the importance of collaboration among various ministries and agencies to tackle the multifaceted challenges facing the power sector. He explained that the generation, transmission, and distribution of power cannot be the sole responsibility of the Ministry of Power and its agencies. “There are many supportive ministries without which the sector’s mandate cannot be achieved,” Adelabu said.
Currently, 75% of Nigeria’s power generation comes from gas-powered plants, while the remaining 25% is sourced from hydro-electric power plants. Adelabu highlighted the country’s vast potential for hydroelectric power, with large and small dams scattered across the nation. He stressed the importance of sustainable and environmentally friendly energy generation, noting that renewables like solar, wind, and small hydro plants are critical to the sector’s future. This focus on renewable energy underscores the Ministry’s commitment to diversifying Nigeria’s energy mix and reducing its carbon footprint.
Adelabu praised the Ministry of Water Resources for its role in supporting the power sector, particularly through the management of dams that contribute to hydroelectric power generation. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with the Ministry of Water Resources and other key ministries, including the Federal Ministry of Environment, which plays a crucial role in promoting environmentally friendly energy sources. The Inter-Ministerial Power Sector Working Group, formed to facilitate this collaboration, will serve as a platform for discussing critical issues and ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned in their efforts to transform the power sector.
The minister also addressed the challenges associated with thermal power generation, which relies heavily on gas. He noted that gas availability, in terms of both quality and transportation, is essential for the continuous operation of power plants. Earlier this year, in January and February, the country experienced significant blackouts due to gas shortages, which led to the shutdown of several generating companies (GENCOS). These shortages were exacerbated by issues such as pipeline vandalization and inadequate gas supply, which highlighted the need for stronger cooperation between the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
Adelabu stressed that the success of the power sector hinges on effective collaboration with the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, particularly in ensuring a consistent supply of gas. “The Petroleum Resources Ministry is key to the raw materials we need to generate over 70 percent of power in the country,” he said. He added that without cooperation andNigeria collaboration between these ministries, the power sector’s success would be difficult to achieve.
