By John Umeh
Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has apologised to Nigerians following widespread electricity outages across the country, assuring citizens that efforts are underway to restore stable power supply within weeks.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Adelabu acknowledged that the prolonged blackout has created significant hardship for households, businesses, and industries, especially amid the intense dry-season heat.
He expressed regret over the situation, noting that the outages have disrupted daily activities and slowed economic productivity.
According to the minister, the nationwide blackout was triggered by an explosion at the Kainji Hydroelectric Power Station, which affected electricity generation and contributed to instability in the national grid.
Adelabu explained that the crisis was worsened by gas supply disruptions and maintenance issues affecting key infrastructure supplying electricity-generating plants across the country.
Despite the challenges, he assured Nigerians that government intervention is already underway, adding that improvements in power supply are expected within two weeks.
He revealed that a special committee has been established to monitor compliance by gas suppliers and ensure that electricity generation companies receive adequate fuel supply. The minister also disclosed that repair works on critical gas pipelines and facilities, including those linked to Seplat Energy, are ongoing and expected to boost electricity generation once completed.
Adelabu further noted that Nigeria’s heavy dependence on gas-powered plants makes the power sector vulnerable to supply disruptions, but emphasised that the government is working round the clock to stabilise the grid.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s target to increase power generation to 6,000 megawatts before the end of 2026, describing the current blackout as a temporary setback in ongoing reforms.
The minister expressed optimism that electricity supply would soon return to improved levels, adding that authorities are determined not only to restore stability but also to exceed previous performance.
He urged Nigerians to remain patient, assuring them that the government remains committed to delivering reliable electricity across the country.
