The Federal Government has announced improved stability in Nigeria’s power grid, thanks to a recent upgrade that added over 700 megawatts of transmission capacity. This milestone was achieved under the Presidential Power Initiative, a $2.3 billion project aimed at overhauling the country’s transmission infrastructure.
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, disclosed this during a meeting with EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, in Abuja. He explained that almost 90% of the new capacity has been installed and is already operational, leading to more stable power supply, even at higher loads of 5,000 to 8,000 megawatts levels that previously caused grid failures.
Adelabu also highlighted key achievements, including Nigeria’s highest-ever average daily power consumption of over 20,000 kilowatt-hours and a new record of 5,801.63MW in transmitted and distributed energy, breaking the 2021 record. Additionally, the country has reached a generation capacity of 6,003MW.
He noted that under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, reforms have begun to yield results, with grid expansion to underserved areas and increased adoption of solar and small hydroelectric sources in rural communities. The minister emphasized the importance of EU support, citing Germany and France as key partners in funding and implementing projects through companies like Siemens.
Speaking at the Energy Times Newspaper Awards in Lagos, where he was named Power Sector Personality of the Year, Adelabu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing reliable and affordable electricity. He outlined priorities under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including grid strengthening, renewable energy integration, rural electrification and policy reforms to attract private investment.
Also at the event, Jennifer Adighije, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, was named Young Achiever of the Year for restoring 230MW to the grid within months of her appointment. She said the award motivates her team to continue pushing toward their goal of scaling generation, transmission, and distribution across the power sector.
Other award recipients included Ekiti State Governor Abayomi Oyebanji, NNPC’s Mele Kyari and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production, among others, for their contributions to Nigeria’s energy growth.