The Federal Government on Sunday announced that electricity generation increased from 3,951MW to 4,300MW between March 28 and April 10.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the Minister of Power on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Mr Bolaji Tunji.
Tunji said the gradual rise in generation output within the period aligns with the assurance earlier given by the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, at the Power Sector Working Group, where he pledged improved electricity supply within two weeks.
He explained that the improvement coincided with a steady increase in gas supply to thermal power plants, which rose from approximately 605 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) to over 704 mmscfd within the same timeframe.
Tunji further stated that mechanical availability remained stable and even improved, peaking at over 7,796MW in early April, while operational availability rose from about 4,208MW to a peak of over 4,694MW, indicating enhanced 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,” he said.
He added that the strong correlation between gas availability and generation output underscores the need for sustained interventions in the gas-to-power value chain, given Nigeria’s reliance on thermal power plants.
“To consolidate the gains recorded so far, the minister recently inaugurated a Gas-to-Power Monitoring Committee to ensure improved coordination, real-time monitoring, and sustained gas supply to generating companies.
“The committee is expected to address bottlenecks in gas delivery, enhance synergy between gas producers and power generation companies, and ultimately guarantee a more stable and reliable electricity supply across the country,” he said.
Tunji noted that the minister remains committed to sustaining and improving the gains recorded in the coming weeks.
He assured Nigerians that ongoing reforms and targeted interventions would continue to yield measurable improvements in power generation and supply.
“We are not there yet, but we will continue to ensure measurable improvements,” he said.
Tunji also said the minister urged the new management of the Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) to improve its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Adelabu gave the charge during a visit by the newly appointed Managing Director of the agency, Mr Olusegun Adesayo, and the Chairman of the Board, Mr Ikechi Nwosu, to his office over the weekend.
The minister advised the agency to focus on boosting IGR while reducing dependence on government appropriation, particularly for operational costs.
He also urged the management to establish more meter testing centres across the country to enhance its operations.
Expressing confidence in the new leadership, Adelabu assured that the full board of the agency 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,” he said.
He further decried the shortage of manpower, particularly meter installers, and reiterated the need for collaboration between the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria and NEMSA to address the challenge.
“We need to ensure more installers are trained in order to accelerate the government’s plan to bridge the meter gap in the country,” he said.
On meter testing stations, he said, plans should be made to establish them across all geopolitical zones.
He also urged the NEMSA Managing Director to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the agency to identify key challenges.
Earlier, Adesayo informed the minister of his engagement with other agencies to secure their support and highlighted areas where the ministry’s assistance would be required for effective service delivery.
NAN
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