The sixth edition of the National Council on Power (NACOP), held recently in Maiduguri, Borno State, has set a decisive and comprehensive roadmap aimed at consolidating power sector reforms and driving sustainable energy access across Nigeria, with a particular emphasis on the volatile Northeast region. This landmark gathering, presided over by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, brought together 415 stakeholders from government agencies, private sector entities, and civil society organizations, reflecting a united commitment to address Nigeria’s persistent energy challenges.
Under the theme, “Consolidating Reforms for a Sustainable Energy Future in Nigeria,” the Council held seven rigorous plenary sessions that tackled critical issues such as sub-national collaboration, energy transition pathways, infrastructure security in high-risk areas, and closing gender and capacity gaps within the sector.
One of the major outcomes was the adoption of a strategic push to empower the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) to mobilize funds for the establishment of a Consolidated Power Training Fund, as outlined in the Electricity Act 2023. This fund aims to support workforce development across Nigeria’s electricity supply industry (NESI) through initiatives including a National Human Capital Development Framework (NHCDF), a Structured Apprenticeship Program, and a Gender Mainstreaming Strategy. These measures are designed to accelerate job creation and foster sustainable economic growth within the power sector.
The Council also highlighted the acute infrastructure challenges in the Northeast, particularly the need to reinforce grid stability and security in Borno and its environs. To this end, the construction of additional Double Circuit 330/132kV transmission lines was approved to strengthen power supply in the region. Moreover, the Borno State Government was urged to collaborate closely with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to utilize available funds for solar mini-grid projects, expanding renewable energy access in off-grid communities.
The communiqué stressed the importance of multi-agency and stakeholder engagement to safeguard critical power infrastructure in security-sensitive zones. There was also consensus on the ongoing Northern Corridor transmission project that incorporates Super Grid Networks and FACTS controller devices to reduce transmission losses, ensuring a more resilient power network in Northern Nigeria.
Recognizing the crucial role of market reforms, NACOP underscored the need for continuous collaboration between the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and the Ministry of Power. This collaboration is vital to ensure that Distribution Companies (DisCos) recapitalize and resolve operational bottlenecks at Transmission-Distribution and Distribution-Utilization interfaces—key steps to stabilize the grid and improve service delivery.
To uphold professional standards in the sector, the Council directed the Chartered Institute of Power Engineers of Nigeria (CIPEN) to coordinate with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) to avoid jurisdictional conflicts in licensing power engineering professionals.
Furthermore, the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) was encouraged to lead bold market transformation initiatives by engaging stakeholders, especially at the sub-national level, to enhance power sector efficiency through innovative reforms.
NACOP emphasized stronger inter-ministerial coordination on renewable energy policies. The existing Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Policy spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Power must be effectively aligned with the Federal Ministries of Petroleum Resources/Gas, Environment, and the National Council on Climate Change to foster a cohesive national energy transition strategy.
On tariff matters, the Council reiterated the principle that electricity must be paid for at cost-reflective rates to sustain sector viability. However, subsidies should remain in place but be well-targeted and managed to protect vulnerable consumers without distorting the market.
The NACOP 2025 meeting represents a critical milestone in Nigeria’s power sector reform journey. By focusing on capacity building, infrastructure resilience, market reforms, and renewable energy integration, Nigeria is positioning itself to tackle long-standing challenges and unlock sustainable growth in electricity supply.
Minister Adebayo Adelabu’s leadership, coupled with enhanced collaboration among key stakeholders, signals renewed optimism that Nigeria’s energy future, particularly in troubled regions like the Northeast, will be secured through innovation, inclusiveness, and resilience.