The Federal Government of Nigeria has acknowledged the ongoing power supply challenges facing the country and has made a commitment to address the issue by settling outstanding debts to Generation Companies (GenCos). This was communicated in a recent statement issued in Abuja by Bolaji Tunji, the Special Adviser on Strategic Communication and Media Relations to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu.
Adelabu clarified that the current power outages are largely due to a shortage of gas supply to the GenCos, which has hindered their ability to generate sufficient electricity. He assured that the government’s efforts to clear the outstanding payments would enable improved gas supply, thereby boosting power generation. This, in turn, would enhance the ability of distribution companies to deliver more electricity to homes and businesses across the nation.
“The recent drop in power supply levels is primarily linked to a reduction in gas availability for the generation companies. This has resulted in less electricity being generated and, consequently, less energy being supplied to the distribution companies,” said Adelabu. “We are committed to making the necessary payments to GenCos to guarantee a steady gas supply, which will subsequently increase the amount of electricity available for distribution.”
The minister also expressed confidence that these efforts would lead to an immediate improvement in the current unsatisfactory power supply situation, calling it unsustainable and one that needs urgent resolution.
Further, in a meeting with Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, Adelabu discussed the grid expansion project aimed at reinforcing the transmission network. The project is designed to create additional transmission corridors, which will help prevent potential grid collapses in the future.
He highlighted the importance of the state’s collaboration with the federal government in enhancing the flow of electricity across the country. The governor’s contribution through investments in critical infrastructure, such as transformers and electricity poles, has been pivotal in supporting grid extension efforts. Adelabu stressed that this partnership would significantly improve the nation’s electricity supply.
“We’ve emphasized to distribution companies that consumers should not bear the cost of purchasing the necessary equipment for electricity delivery. These assets must be provided by the distribution companies themselves, with support from both the state and federal governments,” he added.
In addition, Adelabu mentioned that agencies like the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) would step in to provide electricity to communities that are not commercially viable for distribution companies. This would help ensure that even the most underserved regions receive power.
The minister also took the opportunity to urge both local and state governments to safeguard power infrastructure, lamenting the frequent instances of vandalism that undermine the substantial investments made in the sector. “It is disheartening to see such critical infrastructure destroyed after substantial investments by the government,” he said.
