Adelabu stands by two-week power pledge as generation exceeds 4,300MW

Adebayo Adelabu has defended his two-week promise to improve electricity supply, citing a steady rise in power generation despite ongoing outages across the country.

In a statement issued in Abuja by his Special Adviser, Bolaji Tunji, the minister said recent data shows measurable progress in generation levels between March 28 and April 10, 2026.

According to the ministry, power generation increased from about 3,951 megawatts (MW) on March 28 to over 4,300MW by April 10, reflecting what it described as a gradual but consistent upward trend.

The development comes amid widespread complaints from Nigerians over unreliable electricity supply, raising questions about the real impact of the government’s intervention in the sector.

Improved gas supply drives generation gains despite outages

Adelabu attributed the rise in electricity output largely to improved gas supply to thermal power plants, a critical component of Nigeria’s power generation mix.

Gas supply reportedly increased from about 605 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) to over 704 mmscfd within the same period, boosting generation capacity.

The minister added that mechanical availability remained stable, peaking at over 7,796MW in early April, while operational availability rose to about 4,694MW, an indication of improved 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,” the statement noted, linking the progress to better coordination among stakeholders.

To sustain the gains, Adelabu said the government has inaugurated a gas-to-power monitoring committee tasked with ensuring real-time coordination between gas suppliers and generation companies.

The committee is expected to address bottlenecks in gas delivery and support a more stable electricity supply nationwide.

The minister acknowledged that while improvements have begun, the sector is not yet where it needs to be.

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

Beyond generation, Adelabu also charged the Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency to improve its internally generated revenue and reduce reliance on government funding.

He urged the agency to expand meter testing centres and collaborate with the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria to address the shortage of skilled meter installers.

According to him, closing Nigeria’s metering gap will require both manpower development and infrastructure expansion across the country.