Nigeria’s Power Output Rises to 4,300MW as Gas Supply to Plants Improves, FG Says

The Federal Government says electricity generation rose from 3,951 megawatts to 4,300 megawatts between March 28 and April 10, crediting improved gas supply and better coordination in the power sector.

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

According to Tunji, the gradual increase aligns with an earlier pledge by the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, at the Power Sector Working Group meeting that supply would improve within two weeks.

The rise in output tracks closely with higher gas deliveries to thermal power plants. Gas supply grew from about 605 million standard cubic feet per day to over 704 mmscfd during the same period.

Mechanical availability also remained stable and improved, peaking at over 7,796 MW in early April. Operational availability rose from about 4,208 MW to a peak of over 4,694 MW, indicating better efficiency in converting available gas into electricity.

“Despite 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 generation output highlights the need for sustained intervention in the gas-to-power value chain, given Nigeria’s heavy reliance on thermal plants.

To build on the gains, the minister recently inaugurated a Gas-to-Power Monitoring Committee tasked with real-time monitoring and ensuring steady gas supply to generating companies. The committee is expected to resolve delivery bottlenecks, strengthen synergy between gas producers and power generation companies, and support more stable electricity supply nationwide.

“The minister remains committed to ensuring that the modest gains recorded are not only sustained but significantly improved upon in the coming weeks,” Tunji said. He assured Nigerians that ongoing reforms and targeted interventions would continue to deliver measurable improvements in line with the administration’s goal of stabilising the electricity sector.

“We are not there yet, but we will continue to ensure measurable improvements,” he added.

Tunji also said the minister has urged the new management of the Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency to focus on improving internally generated revenue and reducing dependence on budgetary allocations, especially for operational costs. Adelabu spoke during a visit by NEMSA’s newly appointed Managing Director, Mr Olusegun Adesayo, and Board Chairman Ikechi Nwosu, over the weekend.

The minister called on NEMSA to establish more meter testing centres across the country to strengthen its regulatory role. He expressed confidence in the new management and said the full board would be inaugurated soon.

“I have no doubt about your ability, and I can also say that with your appointment by the president, you will do well. The president knows what he is doing by appointing you, and any appointee of the president will have my full cooperation,” Adelabu said.

Citing a shortage of skilled manpower, especially meter installers, the minister reiterated his call for collaboration between the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria and NEMSA. “We need to ensure more installers are trained in order to accelerate the government’s plan to bridge the metre gap in the country,” he said.

On meter testing stations, he recommended setting up at least one in each geopolitical zone. He advised Adesayo to carry out a comprehensive diagnosis of the agency and outline key challenges to guide immediate priorities.

Earlier, the NEMSA managing director informed the minister of his engagements with other agencies to secure support. He also discussed the assistance required from the ministry to effectively discharge the agency’s responsibilities.