The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, announced on Sunday that over 40% of Nigerians are now benefiting from 20 hours of electricity supply daily. This achievement, he noted, stems from revolutionary measures implemented by the government to enhance the stability and regularity of electricity supply across the nation.
In a statement released by his media aide, Bolaji Tunji, during the celebrations for this year’s Independence Day, Adelabu attributed this progress to the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to revitalize the economy.
Reflecting on his first year in office, Adelabu stated that the government’s bold actions have led to significant improvements in power supply. “This feat is a result of many revolutionary measures undertaken by the Power Minister, with the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he emphasized.
He highlighted that one of the key accomplishments of the ministry has been the generation of over 5,500 megawatts of power, with plans to further increase this capacity by the end of the year. Adelabu reiterated the critical role of stable electricity in fostering economic growth, referencing the experiences of developed nations like South Korea and China, where reliable power has been pivotal to industrialization.
Adelabu noted, “The first thing they got right was achieving reliable, functional, and affordable electricity, especially for their industries, businesses, institutions, and households.” He stressed that achieving similar stability in Nigeria is essential for economic progress and development, aligning with Tinubu’s campaign promises.
The minister expressed the ministry’s vision to provide stable electricity supply to households, businesses, and institutions, thereby enhancing productivity and job creation. He referenced global industrial leaders like Samsung and Hyundai, which thrived due to government support in providing stable electricity, as a model for Nigeria’s aspirations.
Adelabu also provided a brief overview of the ministry’s progress since its inauguration on May 29, 2023. He reported that upon taking office, the country had an installed generation capacity of 13,000 megawatts, but only 4,000 megawatts were being produced, transmitted, and distributed. This low output was inadequate given Nigeria’s population and economic activities.
Noting past challenges of erratic supply that often left customers without reliable power, Adelabu confirmed that substantial improvements have been made. The current installed capacity exceeds 14,000 megawatts, thanks to the recent commissioning of the Zungeru hydroelectric power plant and enhancements to existing facilities.
Today, he stated, the ministry generates over 5,500 megawatts, with more than 40% of customers experiencing 20 hours of consistent power supply. Adelabu reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to further advancements in the power sector to benefit Nigerians.
