Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, says Nigerians can expect uninterrupted electricity supply before the end of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in 2027.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Kwaru 1x15MVA, 33/11KV injection substation in Ikotun-Egbe, Lagos, Adelabu reaffirmed the president’s determination to overhaul Nigeria’s power sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The present administration in Nigeria, led by His Excellency, Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with the Renewed Hope Agenda, recognizes that energy is not merely a commodity; it is the backbone of economic growth and job creation,” Adelabu said at the weekend event.
He noted that the federal government has continued to implement a range of reforms targeting improvements in generation, transmission, and distribution.
“To ensure the growth and sustainability of the sector, the Federal Government of Nigeria continues to implement a multi-pronged approach, which has yielded some remarkable achievements,” he added.
Adelabu explained that the new substation would significantly boost electricity supply to communities such as Abaranje, Isijola, Omoboriowo, Igando Road, Okerube, and surrounding areas.
“This initiative will reduce operational challenges caused by power shortages, provide direct support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), stimulate economic growth, and create new job opportunities,” he stated.
The minister highlighted several strides made under the current administration, including the “decentralization and liberalization of the power sector through the Electricity Act 2023, which has activated twelve state electricity markets and led to the development of a National Integrated Electricity Policy after 24 years.”
According to him, Nigeria has secured over $2 billion in new investments aimed at broadening electricity access. He also said the sector witnessed a 70% boost in revenue in 2024 due to the move toward full commercialisation.
Further outlining progress, Adelabu disclosed that the country’s installed generation capacity rose from 13GW to 14GW, achieving a record peak of 5,801.44MW and a maximum daily energy generation of 128,370.75MWh on March 4.
He also credited the Siemens partnership with improving grid stability by adding more than 700MW of transmission capacity.
On funding initiatives, Adelabu said, “N700 billion from FAAC has been mobilised for the Presidential Metering Initiative, alongside a $500 million World Bank DISREP fund, which will add 3.45 million meters to the sector.”
Adelabu recognises distribution challenges
Despite these advances, the minister acknowledged persistent challenges in distribution, including high loss levels, inadequate market remittances, and frequent customer complaints.
“Under my leadership, the Federal Ministry of Power remains fully committed to working with Distribution Companies (DisCos) to address these issues and ensure energy security nationwide,” he assured.
He also commended Ikeja Electric for completing the substation project within a year, applauding its “diligence, proper planning, stakeholder engagement, and technical expertise.”
Adelabu concluded by restating the ministry’s commitment to supporting efforts that will ensure more reliable and affordable electricity for Nigerians.
