Nigeria’s electricity supply is expected to stabilise within the next two days as the Federal Government moves to address a sudden drop in power generation triggered by disruptions in gas supply to key thermal plants.
Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, assured Nigerians that efforts were underway to restore normal electricity supply after an explosion on the Escravos–Lagos Gas Pipeline, ELP, and acts of vandalism on critical gas infrastructure led to reduced generation nationwide.
The apology was conveyed in a statement issued on Tuesday night in Abuja by Mr Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the Minister of Power. He said Adelabu gave the assurance during a high-level meeting with major power sector stakeholders.
Participants at the meeting included the Nigeria Independent System Operator, NISO, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, officials of the Ministry of Power, Power Generation Companies and Power Distribution Companies.
Tunji said the power supply decline was directly linked to gas shortages caused by the pipeline explosion and vandalism in the Niger Delta, which disrupted gas flow to several gas-fired power stations. The disruption, he noted, significantly reduced electricity generation on the national grid.
At the meeting, stakeholders confirmed that repair works on the damaged pipelines were at an advanced stage and would be completed within 24 to 48 hours, paving the way for the resumption of gas supply to affected power plants.
Following this, the minister directed all relevant agencies to intensify their efforts and ensure strict adherence to the repair timeline to enable swift restoration of electricity supply.
The minister’s assurance followed a public notice earlier issued by NISO, which said it was closely monitoring repair works being carried out by the Nigerian Gas Processing and Transportation Company, NGPTC, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.
Also Read: Nigeria’s electricity subsidy hits ₦1.94tn in 2024
NISO noted that the pipeline explosion led to a sharp reduction in electricity generation, as several gas-fired stations were forced to operate below capacity, resulting in reduced power supply to consumers across the country. The system operator added that NGPTC had given assurances that restoration works were nearing completion.
Adelabu acknowledged the inconvenience faced by households and businesses, particularly during the Yuletide season when electricity demand typically rises. He stressed that the disruption was temporary and caused by acute gas supply constraints affecting multiple thermal power generation stations.
He said preliminary findings showed that the ELP explosion and pipeline vandalism significantly reduced the volume of gas available to power major electricity plants, leading to a sharp drop in overall generation on the national grid.
While expressing regret over the disruption, the minister reassured Nigerians of the Federal Government’s determination to resolve the issue promptly.
“We understand the frustration this has caused Nigerians. However, we wish to assure the public that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Power, is working round the clock to address the situation with utmost urgency,” Adelabu said.
He expressed confidence that noticeable improvement in gas supply and power generation would be achieved within 24 to 48 hours, with a gradual return to normal generation levels thereafter.
Beyond immediate restoration efforts, the minister said the Federal Government was accelerating long-term measures to diversify the nation’s energy mix, strengthen grid resilience and deploy advanced surveillance technologies to protect critical infrastructure.
Adelabu appealed to Nigerians to remain patient and understanding during the temporary disruption, while also urging communities to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities around power and gas facilities to security agencies.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to delivering stable, reliable and sustainable electricity to support homes, industries and the nation’s economy.
NAN
