Adelabu says improved electricity supply is coming as Nigeria tackles gas shortages and power sector debt affecting generation

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has assured Nigerians of improved electricity supply, stating that the Federal Government is taking decisive steps to resolve gas constraints hampering power generation nationwide.

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Adebayo Adelabu gave the assurance in his Eid-el-Fitr message on Thursday, noting that recent government interventions are beginning to ease persistent gas supply challenges that have significantly reduced electricity output.

Adebayo Adelabu said concrete measures are being implemented to guarantee a more stable and sustainable power supply for households, businesses and industries.

The minister added that reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu are gradually yielding results.

“The reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu are beginning to take root, and Nigerians will soon witness the full benefits,” Adebayo Adelabu said, expressing confidence in a near-term turnaround.

The statement comes against the backdrop of a worsening electricity crisis linked to a reported N3.3 trillion debt owed by power generation companies to gas suppliers.

The debt prompted suppliers to halt gas deliveries to thermal plants, deepening outages across the country.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Power Generation Companies, Dr Joy Ogaji, warned that the mounting liabilities across the power value chain are pushing the sector towards a critical tipping point.

Recent data from the Nigerian Independent System Operator underscores the severity of the situation. Power generation has dropped below 4,000 megawatts in recent weeks, largely due to inadequate gas supply to thermal plants.

Operational figures show that power plants require about 1,629.75 million standard cubic feet of gas daily to function optimally.

However, as of February 23, 2026, actual supply stood at roughly 692.00 million standard cubic feet per day, representing less than 43 per cent of demand.

The shortfall has triggered prolonged blackouts nationwide, leaving homes and businesses struggling amid rising fuel costs and intense heat. Electricity consumers across all supply bands have continued to voice frustration over the unreliable service.

Power generation companies have appealed for patience, insisting that the gas constraints driving the outages are beyond their control.

Despite the challenges, Adebayo Adelabu maintained an optimistic outlook, describing the current difficulties as part of a necessary transition towards a more resilient power system.

The minister characterised the reforms as a critical and transformative phase aimed at unlocking efficiency across the electricity value chain.

“The challenges we face today are, without doubt, the building blocks of a more prosperous tomorrow,” Adebayo Adelabu said.

In a broader appeal, Adebayo Adelabu urged Nigerians to sustain the discipline and sacrifice demonstrated during Ramadan, calling for collective support in advancing national development efforts.

The minister also highlighted ongoing engagements by President Bola Tinubu, including recent meetings in the United Kingdom, which are expected to attract fresh investment into the power sector and strengthen infrastructure delivery.

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With continued reforms and stakeholder cooperation, Adebayo Adelabu said the government remains confident of delivering improved electricity supply, offering what many hope will be a decisive shift in Nigeria’s long-standing power challenges.