The minister acknowledged that living conditions had gotten worse due to the prolonged blackout, especially during the extreme heat of the dry season, during a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday.
“As the Minister of Power, I want to formally apologize to Nigerians for this temporary issue that is causing hardship, especially during this dry season where there is so much heat everywhere,” Adelabu stated.
Schools, businesses, and sectors are all being impacted. We don’t want to be in this predicament, but there are a few things that are out of our control.
Adelabu gave residents a specific schedule for the restoration of a stronger power supply while assuring them that the situation would soon improve despite the setbacks.
“I can assure you that we should begin to witness improvements in supply in two weeks thanks to the committee we have established, the pledges made by gas providers, and the schedule for pipeline repairs. Adelabu stated, “two weeks.”
He clarified that authorities already have estimates for the completion of crucial repairs, such as those pertaining to Seplat Energy-operated facilities, which are anticipated to restore the gas supply to plants that produce power.
The minister claims that a special committee has been established to make sure gas producers fulfill their domestic supply obligations, a problem that has long restricted the nation’s ability to generate electricity.
“We already have a committee that is working on this to track compliance with the domestic supply obligations of these gas companies to our power plants,” he stated, adding that better payment arrangements will incentivize suppliers to provide more gas.
Due to supply delays, pipeline maintenance problems, and operator financial restrictions, Nigeria’s energy sector—which mainly depends on gas-powered plants—has experienced difficulties.
While acknowledging these fundamental issues, Adelabu emphasized that efforts are still being made to stabilize the grid and bring back reliable supplies.
“We are working on it nonstop to ensure that we return to the trajectory of 2025, when Nigerians praised us for a job well done,” he stated.
Additionally, he reiterated the Federal Government’s goal of raising electricity production to 6,000 megawatts by the end of 2026, characterizing the current situation as a short-term setback in a larger reform plan.
He promised that “power generation, transmission, and distribution will all improve, and that 6,000 megawatts will be achieved before the end of this year, and Nigerians will be better for it.”
Adelabu went on to say that the administration wants to surpass prior performance levels in addition to regaining lost ground.
Adelabu stated, “We are willing to do more, to even do better, if we could provide such service in 2025. This is 2026.”
