Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has apologised to Nigerians over persistent electricity outages, acknowledging the hardship caused by unreliable power supply across the country.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Adelabu said the situation has affected households, businesses, schools, and industries, particularly during the intense dry season heat.
“I want to apologise to Nigerians, officially now, as the Minister of Power, for this temporary issue that is leading to hardship,” he said, noting that the challenges stem from factors largely beyond the government’s immediate control.
Despite the difficulties, the minister assured that improvements in electricity supply are expected within the next two weeks. He attributed this to ongoing efforts, including commitments from gas suppliers and scheduled repairs to critical gas infrastructure.
Adelabu explained that the government has visibility on timelines for key repairs, particularly involving facilities operated by Seplat Energy, which are expected to restore gas supply to power plants.
He also revealed that a special committee has been established to monitor compliance with domestic gas supply obligations, a long-standing issue that has constrained electricity generation.
According to him, improving payment arrangements for gas suppliers is also expected to encourage consistent supply to the power sector.
Nigeria’s electricity generation, which depends largely on gas-fired plants, has been impacted by disruptions in gas supply, compounded by pipeline maintenance issues and financial constraints across the sector.
The minister acknowledged these structural challenges but stressed that efforts are ongoing to stabilise the system and restore reliable supply.
He further reiterated the Federal Government’s target to increase electricity generation to 6,000 megawatts by the end of 2026, describing the current situation as a temporary setback.
“Power generation will improve, transmission will improve, distribution will improve, and that 6,000 megawatts will be achieved,” he said.
Adelabu added that the government aims not only to restore previous performance levels but to surpass them, building on gains recorded in 2025.