In a significant stride towards ending Nigeria’s recurring national grid collapses, the Federal Government has confirmed the successful installation of an additional 700 megawatts (MW) transmission capacity, a move the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, described as critical in stabilising the nation’s electricity grid.
This landmark development was revealed during the Minister’s meeting with the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gautier Mignot, in Abuja, where Power Minister Adelabu outlined ongoing progress under the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI)—a multibillion-dollar intervention aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s ailing power infrastructure.
According to a statement released by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media, Bolaji Tunji, the additional 700MW was enabled through the implementation of the Siemens-backed PPI, funded with $2.3 billion. Nearly 90% of this upgraded capacity is now operational, bringing a measure of relief to millions of Nigerians long plagued by frequent blackouts.
“Before now, once the grid load reached 5,000MW, instability and collapses were almost inevitable,” Adelabu explained. “Today, we are averaging between 5,000 to 8,000MW without the grid crashing, thanks to the new capacity we’ve added.”
The Minister highlighted that, beyond grid stability, the Tinubu administration has achieved record feats in the power sector. Notably, Nigeria recorded its highest average daily electricity consumption—over 20,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh)—and reached a new peak in energy transmission at 5,801.63MW, surpassing previous records set in 2021.
Additionally, Power Minister Adelabu revealed that Nigeria’s current generation capacity has climbed to 6,003MW, driven by a mix of grid-based and off-grid solutions, including solar energy, mini-hydro power, and mobile substations deployed nationwide.
“We have installed 10 power transformers and another 10 mobile substations under the pilot phase of the PPI. These projects are not just figures on paper; they are active infrastructure transforming our power narrative,” he said.
Adelabu lauded the support from European partners, particularly Germany and France, for their financial and technical assistance in advancing power sector reforms. He urged the EU to deepen its involvement, noting that electricity is central to Nigeria’s goal of industrialisation and economic competitiveness.
President Bola Tinubu’s administration, according to the Minister, has demonstrated unprecedented commitment to power sector reforms. The Electricity Act of 2023 signed into law by the President, marked a turning point, enabling private participation, decentralised energy generation, and the unbundling of state-level electricity markets.
“We inherited a sector with over 60 years of instability,” the Minister noted. “But this administration has moved quickly to expand access, integrate renewables, and strengthen the grid.”
He also acknowledged that expanding access in underserved and rural communities has become a key priority. With growing investments in off-grid solar power, mini-grids, and rural electrification, thousands of Nigerians in remote regions now have reliable electricity for the first time.
In recognition of his efforts, Adelabu was recently honoured as the Power Sector Personality of the Year at the 2nd Energy Times Newspaper Awards. During his acceptance remarks, delivered on his behalf by his media adviser, the Minister reiterated the FG’s commitment to ensuring reliable, affordable, and accessible power supply across the country.
“Electricity is the lifeblood of any economy. From job creation to industrial development, we cannot afford to fail in this sector,” Adelabu stated.
He reaffirmed the Renewed Hope Agenda’s core focus areas—Grid Strengthening, Renewable Energy Integration, Policy Reforms, and Rural Electrification—as central pillars to achieving a 21st-century power system.
In a related development, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Engr. Jennifer Adighije, was honoured as the Young Achiever of the Year. She was credited with restoring two faulty turbine units within months of her appointment, adding 230MW to national output.
“Our mandate is clear—to scale generation, transmission, and distribution capacity across the entire gas-to-electricity ecosystem,” Adighije said during the Lagos award ceremony.
The NDPHC, under her leadership, has intensified its efforts to address Nigeria’s power gaps, positioning itself as a strategic interventionist body driving end-to-end improvements in the power value chain.
Despite long-standing frustrations over erratic power supply, these developments suggest a turning point for Nigeria’s energy future. With continued investment, international collaboration, and bold reforms, the Tinubu administration appears poised to deliver a more stable and efficient electricity supply that can finally support the country’s industrial ambitions and improve quality of life for its citizens.