The Federal Government has announced a notable increase in electricity generation across Nigeria, signaling a modest but encouraging step toward stabilising the nation’s troubled power sector.
In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, the Special Adviser to the Minister of Power on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, disclosed that electricity generation rose from 3,951 megawatts (MW) on March 28 to 4,300MW by April 10. The improvement, he noted, reflects ongoing efforts by the government to address longstanding inefficiencies in power production and distribution.
According to Tunji, the gradual rise in generation output aligns with earlier assurances given by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, during a meeting of the Power Sector Working Group. At the meeting, Adelabu had pledged that Nigerians would begin to see tangible improvements in electricity supply within a two-week timeframe, a promise that now appears to be taking shape.
The statement highlighted that the increase in electricity generation was closely tied to a corresponding improvement in gas supply to thermal power plants, which remain the backbone of Nigeria’s energy mix. Gas supply reportedly rose from about 605 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) to over 704 mmscfd within the same period.
Industry analysts have long identified inconsistent gas supply as one of the major constraints limiting power generation in Nigeria. Thermal plants, which depend heavily on natural gas, often operate below capacity due to supply disruptions, pipeline vandalism, and payment challenges within the sector. The recent uptick in gas availability, therefore, represents a critical factor in boosting generation levels.
Tunji explained that the government’s coordinated approach bringing together stakeholders in gas production, transmission, and power generation has begun to yield results. He added that efforts are being intensified to sustain the momentum and ensure that gains recorded are not temporary.
“This improvement is not accidental,” the statement implied. “It is the result of deliberate planning, collaboration, and renewed commitment across the value chain.”
Despite the progress, the increase from 3,951MW to 4,300MW still falls short of Nigeria’s estimated electricity demand, which experts say exceeds 20,000MW. For millions of Nigerians, unreliable power supply continues to affect daily life and economic productivity, forcing widespread reliance on generators and alternative energy sources.
Nevertheless, the government insists that the latest figures mark a step in the right direction. Adelabu had previously emphasised that fixing the power sector would require incremental progress rather than overnight transformation, pointing to ongoing reforms aimed at improving infrastructure, enhancing market liquidity, and attracting private investment.
Observers say sustaining the current trajectory will depend on maintaining steady gas supply, upgrading transmission networks, and resolving financial bottlenecks within the electricity market.
For now, the reported increase offers a glimmer of hope in a sector that has long struggled to meet expectations. As Nigerians watch closely, the coming weeks will determine whether this upward trend can be sustained and whether it will translate into more consistent electricity in homes and businesses across the country.
