By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
POWER SECTOR reforms in Nigeria are gaining momentum with preparations underway for the upcoming National Council on Power (NACOP) conference, a critical decision-making forum for the industry.
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has inaugurated a planning committee tasked with ensuring a successful and well-coordinated event in the second quarter of the year.
Speaking at the committee’s inauguration in Abuja, the Minister emphasised the significance of the conference, particularly as Nigeria works to revitalise its power sector.
He noted that NACOP, which was last held in December 2022, plays a pivotal role in shaping policies and addressing challenges within the industry.
“This is the highest decision-making body for the power sector, and we have a crucial assignment at hand.
It is more than just a meeting; it is an avenue to resolve pressing issues and set a clear agenda for the sector’s growth,” Adelabu stated.
The planning committee has been mandated to ensure adequate logistics, security, and stakeholder engagement.
Its responsibilities include compiling memoranda from states and industry stakeholders, drafting a conference agenda, and coordinating media coverage.
The Minister also highlighted that Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has agreed to host the event, urging the committee to collaborate with the local organising team to ensure a smooth execution.
In another development, Nigeria has achieved unprecedented milestones in power generation.
According to Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser on Strategic Communication to the Minister of Power, the country recently recorded its highest-ever available power generation capacity at 6,003 megawatts (MW).
This was followed by a peak evacuation of 5,801.84 MW and a daily energy output of 128,370.75 megawatt-hours (MWh), signalling a new phase of progress for the sector.
“These milestones reflect the administration’s dedication to improving electricity supply nationwide,” Tunji said.
“The sector is undergoing significant reforms, and these achievements are a testament to the hard work of all stakeholders involved.”
The improvements stem from extensive efforts to upgrade transmission and distribution networks, implement policy reforms, and enhance efficiency across the sector.
Minister Adelabu has been spearheading initiatives to foster collaboration between government agencies, private sector players, and international partners.
A key factor driving these recent successes is the government’s tariff review, which has increased liquidity in the sector and encouraged private investment.
“Ensuring that tariffs reflect the actual cost of power generation and distribution will enable further expansion and stability,” the Minister explained.
“With regularisation, we aim to push available generation capacity to 7,000 MW.”
Despite the progress, Adelabu acknowledged that much work remains and called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders.
He reiterated his commitment to delivering stable electricity to Nigerians, stressing that a reliable power supply is fundamental to economic growth and national development.
“This is just the beginning. We will continue to build on these achievements to create a power sector that meets the aspirations of all Nigerians,” he stated.
Nigeria Sets New Record with 6,003MW Power Generation Milestone
Meanwhile, Nigeria has reached an unprecedented milestone in electricity generation, marking a significant step forward in the country’s efforts to stabilise and improve power supply.
The Ministry of Power said it has confirmed that the nation recorded an available generation capacity of 6,003 megawatts (MW), the highest in its history which has proven the ongoing reforms in the sector aimed at addressing electricity shortages and boosting economic growth.
A statement issued on Sunday by Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser on Strategic Communication to the Honourable Minister of Power, revealed that alongside the record power generation, Nigeria also achieved a peak evacuation of 5,801.84MW and a daily maximum energy output of 128,370.75 megawatt-hours (MWh).
These figures reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring a more stable and reliable power supply.
Tunji described the achievement as a turning point in Nigeria’s power sector, attributing the progress to strategic initiatives led by the Honourable Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu.
He emphasised that the government’s ongoing investments in infrastructure, policy reforms, and technological advancements are beginning to yield tangible results.
“These milestones are the result of deliberate actions taken to address longstanding power sector challenges. The reforms introduced under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Power are aimed at optimising the entire electricity value chain, from generation to distribution,” Tunji stated.
He further noted that the government is prioritising improvements in transmission and distribution infrastructure, ensuring that increased generation translates to stable electricity supply for businesses and households.
The statement highlighted that a recent tariff review has also played a critical role in sustaining the sector, creating an investment-friendly environment that encourages private sector participation.
“The tariff review has improved liquidity within the sector, attracting much-needed investments for infrastructure development.
By aligning tariffs with the true cost of power generation and distribution, we are laying the foundation for a more sustainable and efficient electricity market,” the statement read.
Adelabu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuous improvements, expressing confidence that further advancements will be made in the coming months.
He projected that with the full implementation of ongoing reforms, Nigeria could reach 7,000MW in available generation capacity.
“By the time the tariffs are fully regularised, we expect to move closer to a 7,000MW capacity, marking yet another significant milestone in our journey towards a stable and efficient power sector.
“This progress is critical for national development, as stable electricity supply is essential for economic growth, industrial expansion, and job creation,” Adelabu said.
The Minister also called for the collective effort of stakeholders, including state governments, private sector players, and consumers, in sustaining the gains recorded in the sector.
He stressed that collaboration and consistent policy implementation remain key to achieving long-term stability in power supply.
“We have made remarkable progress, but there is still a long way to go. To sustain these achievements and build on them, we need the full cooperation of all stakeholders. A well-functioning power sector is crucial for Nigeria’s economic transformation, and we are determined to achieve that goal,” he stated.
He noted that the FG’s renewed push for efficiency in the power sector aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s economic agenda, which prioritises infrastructure development, job creation, and private sector-led growth.
He then described the latest milestones as a signal and a shift towards a more resilient and investor-friendly electricity sector, with far-reaching benefits for industries, businesses, and households across the country.
