The Honorable Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has revealed significant improvements in Nigeria’s energy sector, reporting a 5 per cent increase in energy access in 2024.
According to the minister, Nigeria’s energy access rose from 59 per cent at the end of 2023 to 64 per cent by December 2024, driven by grid expansion and renewable energy projects.
Adelabu made this known while addressing a committee, where he outlined the progress made in power generation, transmission, and distribution over the past year.
The minister disclosed that Nigeria’s power generation capacity rose by 30 per cent during the 2024 fiscal year.
“We inherited an average of 4,100 megawatts (MW) of power generation in 2023,” he said. “However, by the end of 2024, we achieved a peak generation of 5,528 MW.”
The increase was attributed to the commissioning of the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant, which added 700 MW to the national grid. Existing hydro and thermal power plants, including Kainji, Shiroro, and Dadinkowa, also recorded significant improvements.
Adelabu noted that power plants managed by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), such as Olorunsogo, Omotosho, and Sapele, contributed to the increased generation capacity also.
Despite these gains, the government missed its 6,000 MW target due to grid challenges.
The minister also noted that efforts to stabilize Nigeria’s power grid were ongoing. He reported eight grid collapses in 2024, five of which were total collapses and three partial.
Adelabu explained that three of the total collapses were due to power generation issues, while two were caused by vandalism. He cited the vandalization of major transmission lines, including the Kaduna-Shiroro-Mando line and the Ugwuachukwu-Bauchi-Makurdi line, as key reasons for grid instability.
“The Kaduna-Shiroro-Mando line remains unrepaired due to insecurity in the affected areas,” he said. “The situation has left our grid fragile, as only one transmission line currently supplies power to the northern region.”
The minister further noted that improvements were made in the distribution infrastructure, ensuring better power supply to consumers on Band A. These consumers now enjoy 20 to 24 hours of electricity daily after agreeing to pay cost-reflective tariffs.
Adelabu stated that renewable energy expansion remains a priority, with significant progress made in solar, wind, and small hydropower projects. The government aims to continue this momentum as part of Nigeria’s energy transition plan.
Looking ahead, the minister said the focus for 2025 would be on revamping the national grid through the Presidential Power Initiative. The government plans to strengthen transmission and distribution infrastructure, further reducing grid collapses and improving energy access across the country.
Adelabu reassured Nigerians of the government’s commitment to providing stable and reliable electricity.
“We are determined to fix the dilapidated grid system and ensure uninterrupted power supply for all Nigerians,” he said.
