Nigeria’s Power Sector Reforms: A Step Toward Stability and Growth
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a ₦4 trillion bond aimed at clearing verified debts owed to power generation companies (GenCos) and gas suppliers. This move is part of broader efforts to stabilise Nigeria’s electricity market and restore confidence in the sector. The announcement was made by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, during the Expert Forum on ‘Uninterrupted Power: The Industrial Imperative’ organised by the Nigeria Economic Summit Group.
Adelabu outlined ongoing reforms under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to make the power sector sustainable and commercially viable. According to him, the bond approval is part of a financial stabilisation plan designed to address legacy liabilities that have hindered investment and liquidity across the electricity value chain.
“To stabilise the market, Mr President has approved a N4tn bond to clear verified GenCo and gas supply debts. Alongside this, a targeted subsidy framework is being developed to protect vulnerable households and ensure a sustainable path toward full commercialisation and a viable industry,” Adelabu said.
He explained that the government is pursuing a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach to reposition the sector for “sustainability, efficiency, and growth”, spanning legislation, policy reform, infrastructure development, energy transition, and local content expansion.
Positive Outcomes from Tariff Policy Reforms
The Minister further stated that the government’s tariff policy reforms have begun to yield positive results. He noted that through tariff policy reforms which enabled cost-reflective tariffs for select consumers, supply reliability has improved while reducing energy costs for industries.
Adelabu revealed that sector revenue had grown substantially in the last year, adding: “Industry revenue has increased by 70 per cent to N1.7tn in 2024 compared to the previous year, and the revenue is expected to exceed N2tn for 2025.”
While highlighting the government’s commitment to ensuring a stable electricity market, he emphasised that the debt clearance would provide relief to GenCos and gas suppliers whose unpaid invoices have long crippled generation capacity and operational efficiency.
Infrastructure Development and Grid Expansion
In the area of infrastructure development, Adelabu explained that the Federal Government had introduced targeted national programmes aimed at accelerating the viability, expansion, and modernisation of the national grid.
He said: “Under the phase zero of the Presidential Power Initiative, we enhanced transmission capacity, grid stability, and overall system reliability, with over 700 megawatts of additional transmission capacity already achieved. Under Presidential Power Initiative Phase One, contracts have been signed with Siemens Energy, CMEC, Elswedy Electric, and Power China. Financing arrangements are underway to support implementation. Phase one is planned to add 7000 MW of operational capacity to the grid.”
Expanding Generation Capacity
In parallel to the grid expansion, Adelabu stressed that generation capacity is being expanded through the rehabilitation of existing NIPP plants to unlock about 345 MW, alongside the successful integration of the 700 MW Zungeru Hydropower Plant into the grid.
These developments are part of a broader strategy to enhance Nigeria’s energy landscape. The government is also working on legislative and policy reforms to create a more conducive environment for private sector participation and investment.
Collaborative Efforts for a Sustainable Future
Adelabu urged participants to support the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms, expressing optimism that collaboration with the private sector and development partners will accelerate Nigeria’s journey toward a stable, reliable, and industrially competitive power sector.
With these initiatives, the government aims to not only address current challenges but also lay the foundation for a robust and resilient power sector that can support Nigeria’s economic growth and industrial development.
