The Federal Government has announced a noticeable increase in electricity generation, with output rising from 3,951 megawatts (MW) to 4,300MW between March 28 and April 10, signalling a gradual recovery in Nigeria’s power sector.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the Minister of Power on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji. He noted that the steady rise in generation aligns with assurances previously given by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who had pledged improved electricity supply within a two-week timeframe.
According to Tunji, the increase in power generation coincided with a significant boost in gas supply to thermal power plants. Gas supply rose from approximately 605 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) to over 704 mmscfd during the same period, reflecting improved coordination within the energy value chain.
He further explained that mechanical availability in the sector remained stable and even improved, reaching a peak of over 7,796MW in early April. Operational availability also recorded growth, rising from about 4,208MW to more than 4,694MW. This, he said, indicated enhanced efficiency in converting available gas into electricity.
Despite minor fluctuations recorded on certain days, Tunji maintained that the overall trend points towards a gradual but consistent recovery in the sector. He attributed this progress largely to improved gas supply and better collaboration among critical stakeholders.
To sustain the gains, the Minister of Power recently inaugurated a Gas-to-Power Monitoring Committee tasked with ensuring real-time monitoring, improved coordination, and consistent gas supply to generation companies. The committee is expected to tackle bottlenecks in gas delivery and strengthen synergy between gas producers and electricity generation firms.
Tunji emphasised that the strong relationship between gas availability and electricity output highlights the importance of sustained interventions in the gas-to-power value chain, especially given Nigeria’s reliance on thermal generation.
He assured Nigerians that ongoing reforms and targeted interventions would continue to deliver measurable improvements in power supply, while acknowledging that more work remains to be done.
Meanwhile, Adelabu also urged the new leadership of the Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency to boost its internally generated revenue and reduce dependence on government funding for operational expenses.
During a meeting with the agency’s Managing Director, Olusegun Adesayo, and Board Chairman, Ikechi Nwosu, the minister stressed the need to expand meter testing centres nationwide and address manpower shortages, particularly among meter installers.
He also called for stronger collaboration with the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria to train more personnel and accelerate efforts to bridge the country’s metering gap.
The government reiterated its commitment to strengthening the power sector, expressing confidence that ongoing reforms would lead to more stable and reliable electricity supply across the country.
