Electricity generation hits 4,300MW as gas supply improves

The Federal Government has announced an increase in electricity generation, rising from 3,951 megawatts (MW) to 4,300MW between March 28 and April 10. This improvement is mainly due to better gas supply to power plants.

This information was shared by Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser to the Minister of Power on Media and Communications, in a statement released in Abuja.

He explained that the increase follows an earlier promise by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, that electricity supply would improve within two weeks.

For months, Nigeria has struggled with power outages, mostly caused by low gas supply to power companies. This shortage was linked to unpaid debts owed to gas suppliers.

Tunji said gas supply to power plants increased from about 605 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) to over 704 mmscfd during the period. This helped boost electricity generation.

He also noted improvements in plant performance. Mechanical capacity rose to over 7,796MW, while operational capacity increased from about 4,208MW to over 4,694MW.

This shows better efficiency in turning gas into electricity.

Although there were some daily fluctuations, he said the overall trend shows steady recovery in the power sector, driven by improved gas supply and better coordination among stakeholders.

To maintain this progress, the government has set up a Gas-to-Power Monitoring Committee. The committee will work to solve problems in gas delivery and improve cooperation between gas suppliers and power generation companies to ensure more stable electricity supply.

Tunji also said the Minister has directed the Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) to increase its revenue and rely less on government funding.

The agency was also asked to expand meter testing centres across the country and work with the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) to train more meter installers and reduce the meter shortage.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu recently approved a N3.3 trillion plan to clear long-standing debts in the power sector. The debts, accumulated over 10 years, will be paid in phases to ensure transparency.

However, some Nigerians have raised concerns, noting that similar funds have been approved in the past without major improvements in electricity supply.

Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, also questioned the move, pointing out that similar approvals were made in 2024.