Nigeria’s electricity generation capacity has hit a historic milestone, with a peak of 5,801.84 Megawatts recorded last week. The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has stated that the government’s proposed tariff increase will push the country’s available generation capacity to nearly 7,000MW.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communication, Bolaji Tunji, Adelabu emphasized that the regularization of electricity tariffs is crucial for unlocking the full potential of the sector, facilitating improvements in both power generation and distribution.
“To sustain these improvements, the Government will need to address tariff shortfalls amounting to N1.94 trillion for 2024, as well as legacy debts of N2 trillion owed to the Generation Companies (GENCOs). It is critical that tariff reforms continue so consumers begin paying for the energy they use,” said the Minister.
He further explained that, as tariffs are regularized, Nigeria’s electricity generation capacity will move closer to 7,000 MW, marking a significant milestone toward a stable and efficient power sector that meets the needs of the nation.
The Minister also highlighted recent achievements, including a record generation of 6,003MW—representing the highest output in Nigeria’s history. This was followed by a peak generation evacuation of 5,801.84 MW and a daily maximum energy output of 128,370.75 megawatt-hours (MWh), all of which were achieved in the past week.
“We are excited to announce these historic achievements in Nigeria’s power sector,” said Adelabu. “These records, 6,003 MW of available generation, 5,801.84 MW peak evacuation, and 128,370.75 MWh of daily energy output are testaments to the strategic reforms being carried out under our leadership.”
The Minister noted that these milestones are more than just statistics; they represent a promising future for Nigeria, where businesses can thrive with reliable power, households can enjoy uninterrupted electricity, and the economy can grow sustainably. He expressed hope that these achievements would be sustained and expanded in the coming days.
Tunji added that these advancements were the result of collaborative efforts by the Federal Ministry of Power and key stakeholders in the sector, which included upgrading transmission and distribution networks, implementing innovative technologies, and introducing policy reforms to enhance efficiency.
Adelabu called for continued support from all parties involved, including state governments, private sector players, and the general public, stressing that collective action will be key in ensuring the long-term success and growth of Nigeria’s power sector.
