Electricity supply to major cities across Nigeria is gradually being restored following the collapse of the national power grid. The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, met with top management teams of power Generating companies (GENCOs) and Distribution companies (DISCOs) to address blackouts in some parts of the country. The collapse, the first in 2024, occurred on Sunday, reducing the system’s capacity from 2,588.57 megawatts to 59.9 MW. TCN’s Public Affairs Manager, Ndidi Mbah, confirmed the partial system disturbance, attributing it to gas constraints affecting grid flexibility and stability. The grid was restored, but the generated capacity remained low at 1,605 MW, well below the usual 4,000 MW. Adelabu, in response to the challenges, emphasized the low supply of gas to GENCOs as the main cause of poor power supply. The minister conducted inspections at power facilities in Olorunsogo and Omotosho and discussed issues of indebtedness to GENCOs by the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET). He stressed the need for GENCOs to enter contractual arrangements with gas suppliers for a steady gas supply. To address gas supply challenges and sector stability, the minister announced the formation of a committee involving all stakeholders. The committee will work on recommendations to resolve gas supply and liquidity issues, ensuring a more reliable and consistent power supply. Adelabu clarified his position on subsidies, stating he did not advocate removal but called for a clear-cut policy to address liquidity issues in the sector. The minister emphasized the commitment to resolving challenges and ensuring a brighter energy future for Nigeria.
