The Federal Government has announced a noticeable improvement in electricity generation, with output increasing from 3,951 megawatts to 4,300 megawatts between March 28 and April 10. This development signals gradual progress in Nigeria’s power sector after months of inconsistent supply.
The update was shared in a statement issued in Abuja by Mr Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser to the Minister of Power on Strategic Communications and Media Relations. According to him, the improvement reflects ongoing efforts by the government to stabilise electricity supply across the country.
Tunji explained that the steady rise in generation aligns with earlier assurances given by the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, during a Power Sector Working Group meeting. At the meeting, Adelabu had promised Nigerians that electricity supply would improve within two weeks, a target that now appears to be taking shape.
A key factor behind the increase in power generation is the improved supply of gas to thermal power plants. Tunji noted that gas supply rose significantly from about 605 million standard cubic feet to over 704 million standard cubic feet within the same period. This increase has helped boost the capacity of power plants to generate electricity more efficiently.
In addition, the sector has recorded improvements in mechanical and operational performance. Mechanical availability climbed to over 7,796 megawatts in early April, while operational availability increased from about 4,208 megawatts to a peak of more than 4,694 megawatts. These figures suggest that power plants are now better equipped to convert available gas into electricity.
“Inspite of minor fluctuations recorded on some days, the overall trajectory points to a gradual recovery in the power sector, driven largely by improved gas supply and better coordination among critical stakeholders,” he said.
Tunji emphasised that the strong link between gas supply and electricity generation highlights the need for continued investment in the gas to power value chain. Given Nigeria’s heavy reliance on thermal power, ensuring consistent gas supply remains critical to sustaining improvements.
”To consolidate the gains recorded so far, the minister recently inaugurated a Gas to Power Monitoring Committee to ensure improved coordination, real time monitoring, and sustained gas supply to generating companies.
“The committee is expected to address bottlenecks in gas delivery, enhance synergy between gas producers and power generation companies, and ultimately guarantee a more stable and reliable electricity supply across the country,”he said.
“The minister remains committed to ensuring that the modest gains recorded are not only sustained but significantly improved upon in the coming weeks,” he said.
Tunji also reassured Nigerians that ongoing reforms and targeted interventions would continue to produce measurable results.
“ We are not there yet, but we will continue to ensure measurable improvements,”he said.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, has urged the new leadership of the Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency to improve its internally generated revenue. He made this call during a meeting with the agency’s Managing Director, Mr Olusegun Adesayo, and Board Chairman, Ikechi Nwosu.
Adelabu encouraged the agency to reduce reliance on government funding while strengthening its operations. He also called for the establishment of more meter testing centres across the country to improve service delivery.
“I have no doubt about your ability and I can also say that with your appointment by the president, you will do well. The President knows what he is doing by appointing you and any appointee of the president will have my full cooperation,”he said.
The minister also stressed the need to address the shortage of skilled meter installers by encouraging collaboration between relevant institutions.
“ We need to ensure more installers are trained in order to accelerate the government’s plan to bridge the meter gap in the country,”he said.
He further advised the agency to conduct a detailed assessment of its challenges to guide its reform efforts. In response, Mr Olusegun Adesayo noted that he had begun engaging with other agencies to seek their support and ensure effective delivery of the agency’s responsibilities.
