By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
PERSISTENT GAS supply challenges affecting electricity generation have prompted the Federal Government to inaugurate a Gas to Power Monitoring Committee to address bottlenecks across the sector.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, described the move as a decisive and strategic step aimed at resolving one of the most critical constraints in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
He said gas fired plants account for about 80 percent of Nigeria’s electricity generation but continue to face setbacks due to supply disruptions, pipeline vandalism, mounting debts to gas producers and weak coordination.
“Today’s inauguration marks a decisive and strategic step in our collective effort to resolve one of the most persistent bottlenecks constraining electricity generation across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) which is the challenge of gas supply to our power generation stations,” he said.
He added that the inauguration signals a departure from the status quo that has limited generation capacity and hindered reliable electricity supply.
He said it is “a declaration of intent and a clear signal that this administration will no longer accept the status quo where gas supply disruptions, pipeline vandalism, mounting debts to gas producers and weak sector coordination continue to undermine our generation capacity and deprive Nigerians of reliable electricity”.
Adelabu said the committee was constituted after deliberations at the first quarter 2026 Ministerial Power Sector Working Group meeting where infrastructure gaps, liquidity constraints and pricing challenges were identified as key issues affecting gas supply.
He said the committee will monitor and drive the resolution of issues including repair and maintenance of damaged gas pipelines, settlement of outstanding debts to gas suppliers and other commercial and operational barriers affecting gas availability to power plants.
He charged members to go beyond routine oversight and provide actionable recommendations on mechanisms to guarantee payment for gas supplies and ensure sustainability.
“Beyond monitoring, I expect this Committee to be proactive, this Committee must function, not merely exist. You must come forward with actionable recommendations particularly on mechanisms to guarantee payment for gas supplies.
“The era of reactive, piecemeal responses must give way to systematic, well-coordinated interventions backed by data, clear timelines and institutional accountability. I expect regular reports on tracked developments, escalation of issues that require ministerial or inter agency attention and clear implementation milestones. We will hold this Committee accountable and in turn we will give you the institutional support you need to succeed,” he said.
Adelabu expressed confidence in the committee, noting that its membership includes representatives from the Ministry of Power, Nigerian Independent System Operator, Transmission Company of Nigeria, Association of Generation Companies, Niger Delta Power Holding Company, Nigerian Gas Association and consumer advocacy groups.
Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Mahmuda Mamman, represented by the Director of Distribution in the ministry, said the inauguration followed the directive to urgently address challenges affecting gas supply.
He identified infrastructure deficits, pipeline vandalism, liquidity constraints and coordination gaps as issues hindering electricity generation and impacting economic growth.
He said ensuring stable gas supply is critical to improving generation capacity, enhancing grid stability and delivering better service to electricity consumers.
He added that the committee has been tasked with monitoring gas supply, overseeing infrastructure repairs, ensuring compliance with payment obligations and providing actionable recommendations.
“Your appointment is a recognition of your expertise, experience and the confidence reposed in you. I urge you to discharge this responsibility with diligence, professionalism and urgency. Expectations are high and the work before you is critical to the stability and sustainability of the power sector,” he said.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that Mamman commended the minister for proactive leadership and urged members to approach their assignment with diligence, professionalism and urgency, expressing optimism that the committee will foster collaboration and deliver practical solutions for sustainable growth.
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