In a significant announcement, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Nigeria’s Minister of Power, stated that over 40% of Nigerians now benefit from an impressive 20 hours of electricity supply daily. This achievement, he noted, is the result of transformative measures implemented by the government aimed at enhancing the stability and reliability of power supply across the nation.
In a statement released by his media aide, Bolaji Tunji, the Minister highlighted that the Federal Government’s initiatives, particularly through the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), have played a pivotal role in reaching this milestone. Earlier in April, the government removed electricity subsidies for approximately two million customers in Band A, ensuring that these consumers receive a minimum of 20 hours of power each day.
Supporting his claims with data from NERC, which reported an average power generation of 4,150 Megawatts in August, Adelabu emphasized the stark contrast this makes in light of Nigeria’s estimated population of over 200 million people. This performance, he affirmed, has been bolstered by the unwavering support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has integrated energy stability into his broader “Renewed Hope Agenda” aimed at revitalizing the economy.
Reflecting on his first year in office, Adelabu outlined several significant achievements that have contributed to the improvement of Nigeria’s power landscape. He noted that the ministry has successfully increased power generation to over 5,500 Megawatts, with ongoing efforts to enhance this figure by the end of the year. This surge in electricity supply is part of the government’s commitment to fulfill President Tinubu’s campaign promises, particularly the promise of reliable power supply as a foundation for economic growth.
“Stable electricity is crucial for any thriving economy,” Adelabu stated, drawing parallels with developed nations like South Korea, China, and various countries in Europe and North America. He attributed their industrial successes to the establishment of reliable and affordable electricity for businesses, institutions, and households. “This is why we say that we must achieve this for Nigeria as a country. We need to ensure that our economy grows and develops industrially,” he explained.
The Minister highlighted that in his New Year speech on January 1, 2024, President Tinubu reiterated the necessity of stable electricity to drive critical sectors of the economy. “None of the critical sectors can function optimally without stable electricity supply,” he remarked. Adelabu’s vision is clear: to provide households, businesses, and educational and healthcare institutions with a reliable power supply that fosters productivity and job creation.
He further illustrated this vision by citing the success stories of industrial giants like Samsung and Hyundai in South Korea, attributing their rise to the government’s support through dependable electricity. “Our ambition is for Nigeria to mirror this success, ensuring that a large segment of our population has access to electricity, which in turn will drive production and create employment opportunities,” he stated.
Adelabu provided context for the progress made since the administration took office on May 29, 2023, and the appointment of ministers on August 21, 2023. “We inherited an installed generation capacity of 13,000 Megawatts, but were only able to produce, transmit, and distribute about 4,000 Megawatts. This was insufficient for our population and economic activities, leading to widespread power shortages,” he explained.
He noted that prior to these reforms, Nigerians experienced erratic power supply, often receiving less than 12-15 hours of electricity daily. The Minister also pointed out that the adoption of renewable energy sources was minimal, with very limited use of solar or wind energy.
However, in just over a year, Adelabu reported significant advancements. “Today, our installed capacity has increased to over 14,000 Megawatts, thanks to the commissioning of the Zungeru hydroelectric power plant and improvements at existing facilities,” he said, underscoring the government’s commitment to expanding energy generation.
“Moreover, we now generate over 5,500 Megawatts of power, which we effectively transmit and distribute. Over 40% of our customers now enjoy over 20 hours of regular power supply nationwide. This represents a substantial improvement from our starting point, and we are determined to build on this progress,” Adelabu affirmed.
As Nigeria continues its journey toward a more stable and robust power sector, the Minister’s optimistic outlook offers hope for the nation’s future. The administration’s ongoing efforts to enhance electricity supply are pivotal for not only economic growth but also for improving the quality of life for millions of Nigerians.
