Power Generation Rises to 4,300MW, Says FG

The Federal Government has announced an increase in electricity generation from 3,951 megawatts (MW) to 4,300MW between March 28 and April 10.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by Mr Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser to the Minister of Power on Strategic Communications and Media Relations.

Tunji said the gradual rise in generation output aligns with assurances earlier given by the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, who had pledged improved electricity supply within two weeks during a Power Sector Working Group meeting.

He attributed the improvement to increased gas supply to thermal power plants, which rose from about 605 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) to over 704 mmscfd within the period.

According to him, mechanical availability also showed stability and improvement, peaking at over 7,796MW in early April, while operational availability increased from approximately 4,208MW to over 4,694MW.

“In spite of minor fluctuations recorded on some days, the overall trajectory points to a gradual recovery in the power sector, driven largely by improved gas supply and better coordination among critical stakeholders,” Tunji said.

He noted that the strong link between gas availability and electricity generation highlights the need for sustained interventions in the gas-to-power value chain, given Nigeria’s reliance on thermal power plants.

To sustain the gains, Tunji said the minister recently inaugurated a Gas-to-Power Monitoring Committee to improve coordination, ensure real-time monitoring, and guarantee steady gas supply to generating companies.

He added that the committee would address challenges in gas delivery, strengthen collaboration between gas producers and power generation companies, and enhance electricity stability nationwide.

Tunji said the minister remains committed to consolidating and improving on the gains recorded in the coming weeks.

“We are not there yet, but we will continue to ensure measurable improvements,” he quoted the minister as saying.

The spokesperson also stated that Adelabu urged the new management of the Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) to boost its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and reduce reliance on government funding for operations.

The minister gave the advice while receiving the newly appointed Managing Director of NEMSA, Mr Olusegun Adesayo, and the Board Chairman, Mr Ikechi Nwosu, during a visit to his office.

Adelabu further called for the establishment of more meter testing centres across the country to strengthen the agency’s operations.

Expressing confidence in the new leadership, he assured that the agency’s full board would soon be inaugurated.

He also raised concerns over the shortage of skilled manpower, particularly meter installers, and reiterated the need for collaboration between the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) and NEMSA to address the gap.

The minister emphasised the importance of training more installers to accelerate efforts to close the country’s metering deficit and recommended the establishment of meter testing facilities across all geo-political zones.

He urged the NEMSA management to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the agency to identify key challenges and set priorities.
Earlier, Adesayo said he had engaged other agencies to seek their support and highlighted the need for continued backing from the ministry to effectively carry out NEMSA’s responsibilities.