In a recent announcement, the Federal Government of Nigeria revealed that the country’s electricity generation has surged to 4,800 megawatts, a significant increase from the approximately 3,500 megawatts recorded in March.
Addressing the increase, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, raised concerns about certain groups he referred to as “cartels and cabals” who hinder the functioning of the power sector due to their self-centered business motives.
During a visit to Ajah, Lagos State, for the launch of a 63MVA, 132/33kV mobile substation developed under Phase 1 of the Presidential Power Initiative in collaboration with Siemens Energy, Adelabu highlighted the recent rise in power generation attributed to the operationalization of the Zungeru hydroelectric power plant.
The Zungeru power plant stands as a crucial project capable of generating 700MW, making it the second-largest hydroelectric facility in Nigeria after the Kainji Dam.
Situated near the town of Zungeru in Niger State along the Kaduna River, the plant is expected to produce 2.64 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, satisfying nearly 10 per cent of Nigeria’s domestic energy requirements.
Adelabu emphasized the positive trend in power generation, stating, “We have observed improvements in our electricity output. Recently, there has been a rise from 4,200MW to 4,800MW. The past low generation levels experienced in February and March were unfavorable.”
Discussing efforts to settle outstanding debts with electricity generating companies and gas suppliers, Adelabu expressed optimism that these initiatives would encourage increased output, aiming to reach 6,000MW by year-end.
Attributing the recent increase to the commencement of operations at the Zungeru hydroelectric power plant, which contributed 625MW to the national grid, Adelabu urged the groups impeding power sector growth to embrace the numerous opportunities available in the sector.
Adelabu expressed his belief that stabilizing the power sector would not lead to unemployment or adverse effects on businesses, emphasizing the need for stakeholders to adapt to the dynamic business environment and capitalize on sector potential.
Regarding the hindrances to power sector progress, Adelabu called on those affiliated with cartels or cabals to reconsider their stance and join the transformative journey aiming to enhance the electricity sector in Nigeria.
Emphasizing the vast potentials within Nigeria’s human and natural resources, Adelabu highlighted the possibilities that reliable electricity could unlock, stating that the country is only scratching the surface of its capabilities.
Welcoming a new addition to the nation’s infrastructure through the 63MVA, 132/33kV Mobile Substation, the Managing Director of the FGN, Kenny Anuwe, underscored the critical role of the substation in enhancing transmission wheeling capacity to meet Nigeria’s growing energy demands.
Strategically positioned to boost power supply efficiency and reliability in key economic hubs like Ajah, Jebba, Kwanar Dangora, and Nike Lake, the mobile substations aim to alleviate transmission capacity constraints by over 1,300MW in the sector.
Through collaborations like the Nigeria-Siemens Partnership, these efforts are geared towards modernizing and expanding Nigeria’s power infrastructure, ultimately improving electricity provision for households and businesses across various regions.