Nigeria’s Power Minister lists gas shortages, transmission constraints among sector’s challenges

Nigeria's Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, outlined the country's electricity sector challenges during a luncheon with journalists in Lagos. Tegbe cited gas supply shortages, outdated infrastructure, vandalism, transmission limitations, inaccurate metering and commercial issues as systemic problems plaguing the nation's power sector.

He expressed optimism about reforms, noting the settlement of N1.23 trillion of a N3.3 trillion debt to electricity generation companies, and the metering of over 2.8 million customers since 2023. Tegbe also revealed ongoing transmission improvements, including the addition of 1,300MVA of capacity to the national grid. Plans were also discussed for replacing the over 60-year-old National Grid Control Centre with a new facility in Osogbo and expanding generation capacity to 10,000MW.

The minister highlighted a focus on energy zones in Lagos, Enugu, Port Harcourt and Kaduna-Kano, aiming to align infrastructure with demand in major economic centers. Tegbe also called for a collaborative approach with the media, emphasizing the need for transparent reporting and constructive engagement as the government works to improve electricity supply.