Nigerians Will Soon Enjoy Reliable Electricity Supply – Adelabu

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has assured Nigerians of imminent improvement in electricity supply as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to resolve persistent gas constraints affecting power generation.

Adelabu gave the assurance in his Eid-el-Fitr message on Thursday, expressing optimism that ongoing reforms and interventions would soon yield tangible results across the power sector.

According to the minister, recent government actions are beginning to ease the long-standing gas supply issues that have significantly limited electricity generation nationwide.

He stated that concrete steps are being implemented to guarantee a more stable and sustainable power supply.

“Concrete measures are being implemented to ensure more reliable and sustainable electricity for homes, businesses, and industries. The reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu are beginning to take root, and Nigerians will soon witness the full benefits,” Adelabu said.

The development comes amid a worsening crisis in the power sector, largely driven by an estimated ₦3.3 trillion debt owed by power generation companies to gas suppliers.

The debt forced gas suppliers to halt supply to thermal power plants, further deepening the nationwide electricity shortage.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Power Generation Companies, Joy Ogaji, had warned that the mounting liabilities across the power value chain could trigger a major sectoral collapse if not urgently addressed.

Data from the Nigerian Independent System Operator revealed that electricity generation has fallen below 4,000 megawatts in recent weeks due to inadequate gas supply to thermal plants.

This has made it difficult for distribution companies to deliver consistent power across their coverage areas, leaving millions of Nigerians in prolonged darkness.

Further data from the system operator highlighted the severity of the crisis, noting that thermal plants require about 1,629.75 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to operate optimally.

However, as of February 23, 2026, actual gas supply stood at approximately 692.00 million standard cubic feet per day, less than 43 per cent of the required volume.

The shortfall has significantly constrained generation capacity and contributed to erratic power supply nationwide.

Electricity consumers across different supply bands have continued to express frustration over persistent blackouts, worsened by rising fuel prices and extreme heat conditions.

Homes and businesses have been forced to rely heavily on alternative energy sources, further increasing the cost of living and doing business.

Power generation companies have repeatedly appealed for patience, insisting that the worsening gas constraints are beyond their control.

Adelabu reiterated that resolving gas supply issues remains central to the Federal Government’s broader reform agenda aimed at improving efficiency across the electricity value chain.

He explained that sustained progress in the sector would depend on continued public support and alignment with government policies.

“The challenges we face today are, without doubt, the building blocks of a more prosperous tomorrow,” the minister said.

While acknowledging the current hardship, Adelabu urged Nigerians to remain patient and committed, describing the situation as part of a transitional phase towards a more reliable power system.

He also called on citizens to sustain the spirit of discipline and sacrifice imbued during Ramadan in supporting national development efforts.

The minister added that ongoing international engagements by President Tinubu, including recent meetings in the United Kingdom, are expected to attract investments into critical sectors such as power.

He expressed confidence that with sustained reforms and cooperation, the government would deliver improved electricity supply in line with its development objectives.

Despite the prevailing challenges, Adelabu maintained that Nigerians would soon begin to experience noticeable improvements in electricity supply as interventions to address gas constraints take effect.