Power minister Adebayo Adelabu
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has said Nigerians will soon begin to enjoy improved electricity supply as the Federal Government moves to resolve ongoing gas constraints affecting generation.
He made this known in his Eid-el-Fitr message on Thursday, where he noted that recent interventions by the government are beginning to address persistent gas supply challenges that have limited power generation across the country.
According to him, the government is implementing concrete measures to ensure a reliable supply for homes and businesses.
“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,” he said.
The Punch recently reported that gas suppliers halted supply to thermal power plants over an estimated N3.3tn debt owed by power generation companies, a development that had deepened the nationwide power shortage.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Power Generation Companies, Dr Joy Ogaji, disclosed this, warning that the mounting debt across the power value chain is pushing the sector toward a major crisis.
Her comments came amid worsening electricity supply across the country, with many Nigerians experiencing prolonged blackouts since the beginning of the year.
Data from the Nigerian Independent System Operator shows that power generation dropped below 4,000 megawatts in recent weeks, largely due to gas constraints affecting thermal power plants, making the reliable supply of electricity impossible across their franchise areas.
The minister expressed optimism that ongoing efforts would translate into noticeable improvements in electricity supply in the near term, stressing that resolving gas constraints remains central to stabilising the power sector.
Electricity consumers, regardless of the supply bands they belong to, have continued to lament the situation, especially amid rising fuel prices and the severe heat.
Recently, NISO provided operational data illustrating the scale of the shortfall, noting that thermal power plants require an estimated 1,629.75 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to operate at optimal capacity. However, as of February 23, 2026, actual supply stood at about 692.00 mmscf per day—representing less than 43 per cent of the required volume.
Several power generation companies have repeatedly appealed to electricity consumers for patience, stating that the worsening gas constraints are beyond their control.
The situation has left many homes and businesses struggling with prolonged outages, raising fears that the electricity supply may deteriorate further if the financial impasse in the power sector is not urgently resolved.
He explained that the government’s broader reform agenda is designed to unlock efficiency across the electricity value chain, adding that sustained progress would depend on continued public support and alignment with policy direction.
However, Adelabu, in its message on Thursday, urged Nigerians to maintain patience and commitment, noting that the challenges currently being experienced are part of a transition towards a more reliable and sustainable power system.
“The challenges we face today are, without doubt, the building blocks of a more prosperous tomorrow,” he said.
The minister further called on citizens to sustain the spirit of discipline and sacrifice cultivated during Ramadan, urging collective responsibility in supporting national development efforts.
He added that ongoing engagements by the president, including recent meetings in the United Kingdom, are expected to attract investment into critical sectors such as power, ultimately strengthening infrastructure and service delivery.
Adelabu emphasised that with continued reforms and cooperation, the government remains confident of delivering improved electricity supply to Nigerians in line with its development objectives.
The Punch
