By Seun Ibiyemi
The Federal Government has announced an increase in electricity generation from 3,951 megawatts (MW) to 4,300MW between March 28 and April 10, attributing the improvement to enhanced gas supply to thermal power plants.
The development was disclosed in a statement by Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser to the Minister of Power on Strategic Communications and Media Relations.
Tunji said the gradual rise in output aligns with earlier assurances by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who had pledged improved electricity supply within two weeks during a Power Sector Working Group meeting.
According to him, gas supply to power plants increased significantly within the period, rising from about 605 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) to over 704 mmscfd, a key factor driving the improved generation.
He added that mechanical availability in the sector remained stable, peaking at over 7,796MW in early April, while operational availability rose from about 4,208MW to more than 4,694MW, reflecting improved efficiency in converting gas into electricity.
Despite minor fluctuations, Tunji noted that the overall trend indicates a gradual recovery in the power sector, driven by better coordination among stakeholders and increased gas supply.
He emphasised that the strong link between gas availability and power generation highlights the need for sustained interventions in Nigeria’s gas-to-power value chain, given the country’s reliance on thermal power.
To consolidate the gains, Adelabu recently inaugurated a Gas-to-Power Monitoring Committee tasked with ensuring improved coordination, real-time monitoring, and sustained gas supply to generation companies.
“The committee is expected to address bottlenecks in gas delivery and enhance synergy between gas producers and power generation companies to guarantee more stable electricity supply,” Tunji said.
He assured Nigerians that ongoing reforms and targeted interventions would continue to deliver measurable improvements in power generation and supply.
Meanwhile, Adelabu has urged the new management of the Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency to boost its internally generated revenue (IGR) and reduce reliance on government funding.
The minister gave the charge during a visit by the agency’s Managing Director, Olusegun Adesayo, and Board Chairman, Ikechi Nwosu.
He also called for the establishment of more meter testing centres nationwide to strengthen the agency’s regulatory role and improve service delivery.
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Adelabu further stressed the need to address manpower shortages, particularly among meter installers, urging collaboration between the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria and NEMSA to train more personnel and accelerate efforts to close the country’s metering gap.
The minister expressed confidence in the new leadership of the agency and assured that its full board would be inaugurated soon.
