The Nigerian Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, announced that more than 15,000 megavolt-amperes (MVA) of capacity has been added to the national electricity grid from 2023 to 2026. This growth is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the country’s electricity supply amidst historical challenges.
During the Sixth Edition of the Power Correspondents Association of Nigeria (PCAN) Conference in Abuja, Tegbe highlighted the federal government’s significant financial support for the electricity sector, revealing that over N10 trillion has been injected into the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) since its privatization in 2013. He explained that this funding has aimed to alleviate long-standing financial and infrastructure issues in the sector.
Tegbe noted that the new investments are part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader vision for a $1 trillion economy. He stated that measures to settle legacy debts owed to power generation companies have raised N1.2 trillion, providing them with the necessary resources to better manage their operations.
Additionally, the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) has successfully installed meters for over 2.8 million customers. The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) continues to work on enhancing electricity access for universities, hospitals, and rural communities through solar power initiatives.
As part of the infrastructure development strategy, Tegbe mentioned ongoing construction of a new National Grid Control Centre in Osogbo, aimed at replacing facilities that have served for over six decades. He also detailed that new substation equipment, commissioned across various regions, has contributed more than 1,300 MVA to the national grid.
Meanwhile, Kenny Anuwe, Managing Director of FGN Power Company Limited, reiterated at the PCAN conference that achieving the government’s ambition for a sustainable electricity sector will require additional private investment. He emphasized that the current public funding is inadequate to meet Nigeria’s power demands, despite more than 95% of new infrastructure investments being government-funded.
Anuwe called for innovative investment models to attract private capital and underscored the need for improved regulatory conditions and clearer responsibilities to enhance investor confidence.
The overarching goal, according to Anuwe, is to increase Nigeria’s electricity supply significantly—from between 10,000 megawatts to 30,000 megawatts—by incorporating better planning and stakeholder collaboration in power sector reforms.
In his address, Olusegun Adesayo, Managing Director of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), stressed the importance of adhering to safety standards in electrical installations to ensure they effectively serve the public.
PCAN Chairman Obas Esiedesa also highlighted the need for urgent action to address recurring seasonal declines in electricity generation, particularly during periods impacted by hydroelectric dependencies and gas supply limitations.
