Nigeria’s power grid has seen a significant boost in stability, thanks to the addition of over 700 megawatts (MW) in transmission capacity, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu revealed over the weekend.
In a meeting with EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, Adelabu attributed the progress to the $2.3 billion Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), designed to modernize the country’s transmission infrastructure.
“Nearly 90% of the new capacity is already operational, which explains the grid’s improved reliability,” Adelabu said in a statement by his media aide, Bolaji Tunji. “Where the grid used to falter at 5,000 MW, we’re now averaging between 5,000 and 8,000 MW.”
He noted major milestones under the current administration, including a record daily power consumption of over 20,000 kilowatt-hours and a peak transmission of 5,801.63 MW surpassing the 2021 high.
Adelabu also urged EU nations to sustain technical and financial support, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to deeper partnerships to overcome longstanding energy challenges.
“Despite having electricity before some European countries, our supply remains unstable,” he said. “We have the resources but without reliable power, our industries can’t grow.”
Since the Tinubu administration assumed office, Adelabu pointed to ongoing grid expansion and rural electrification projects powered by solar and hydro sources. He emphasized the Siemens-led PPI, which includes 10 new transformers and 10 mobile substations nationwide.
At the recent Energy Times Awards, Adelabu was named Power Sector Personality of the Year. In a speech delivered by his special adviser, he reaffirmed the government’s priorities grid modernization and expansion, renewable energy integration, investment-friendly policy reforms and rural electrification initiatives.
Engr. Jennifer Adighije, MD of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, won the Young Achiever of the Year award. Since her appointment in August 2024, she has restored two turbine units, adding 230MW to national output.
“This recognition is a call to intensify our efforts,” said Adighije. “We aim to enhance generation, transmission, and distribution across the sector.”
Other honorees included Ekiti Governor Abayomi Oyebanji (Energy Governor of the Year), Mele Kyari (Man of the Year), and Folake Soetan of Ikeja Electric (Amazon of Nigeria’s Power Sector), among others.
