Nigeria’s federal government says it is taking steps to tackle the persistent gas shortages that continue to disrupt electricity supply across the country.
Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu made this known in Abuja, explaining that targeted measures are already being put in place to improve gas supply to thermal power plants.
For years, unreliable electricity has been a major issue in Nigeria, with gas shortages playing a central role. Most of the country’s power comes from gas-fired plants, and when supply drops, generation falls almost immediately.
Industry data shows the scale of the problem. About 68 percent of power plants have struggled to operate at full capacity due to limited gas supply and ongoing payment disputes within the sector. This has led to frequent fluctuations in power generation and grid instability.
Adelabu said the government is now focusing on improving coordination between the gas and power sectors, describing it as a key step toward unlocking more generation capacity.
He also linked the current situation to wider structural changes being pursued under President Bola Tinubu, noting that reforms are already underway.
Concrete measures are being implemented to ensure more reliable and sustainable electricity for homes, businesses, and industries. The reforms initiated by President Tinubu are beginning to take root, and Nigerians will soon witness the full benefits,” he said.
Beyond supply issues, the sector is also dealing with a serious financial crisis. Power generation companies are weighed down by an estimated N6.8 trillion debt, which has forced some operators to shut down.
The debt has been building since 2015 and continues to rise by roughly N200 billion every month. As a result, many GenCos are struggling to maintain infrastructure, pay for gas, and cover operational costs.
There is also a growing liquidity problem across the value chain. Around 60 percent of payments owed to GenCos remain unpaid by gas suppliers and transporters, further complicating the situation.
With gas-fired plants accounting for nearly 70 percent of Nigeria’s electricity, the reluctance of gas suppliers to continue deliveries without payment guarantees is worsening nationwide supply disruptions.
The government says the current reforms are aimed at stabilising the system. However, for now, Nigerians are still dealing with the reality of inconsistent power supply while waiting for those changes to take effect.
