- Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu announced the highest-ever energy generation of 5,801MW in Nigeria during the commissioning of a 180MW gas plant.
- He credited policy reforms, private sector collaboration, infrastructure upgrades, and the 2023 Electricity Act for transformative gains.
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, announced on Wednesday, June 5, that Nigeria has achieved its highest-ever energy generation of 5,801 megawatts, followed by a record daily energy output of 120,370 megawatt-hours. He revealed this milestone during the inauguration of the 180MW AFAM II power plant in Rivers State, a project developed by Sahara Energy.
“This record-breaking performance occurred on March 2, 2025,” Adelabu stated. “It represents the highest level of energy ever consumed by Nigerians in a single day—under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Speaking at the AFAM II commissioning, the Minister expressed deep appreciation for the President’s support. “Your Excellency, I sincerely thank you for backing the power sector. Your administration has restored national confidence and driven reforms addressing long-standing structural challenges in our electricity value chain.”
In addition, he described the AFAM II plant as a testament to effective collaboration between the private sector, business leaders, and government. “This landmark gas-powered project demonstrates the power of partnership. No government can succeed in isolation. It requires coordinated efforts and shared goals,” he said.
Furthermore, Adelabu praised the administration’s progressive policy reforms and strategic private sector partnerships, noting that these efforts align with the government’s vision to deliver sustainable, functional, and affordable power.
He also highlighted the impact of the Electricity Act 2023, signed by President Tinubu. “This Act empowers state governments to actively participate in the power sector actively, marking a critical milestone in expanding energy access and fostering local development.”
Referring to previous barriers, Adelabu said, “Past administrations left the states and local unions without adequate access to electricity. We are correcting that reality today.”
The Minister credited recent capacity expansions, such as the commissioning of the 700MW Zungeru hydropower plant and significant investments in the national grid, for contributing to the record power figures. He proudly reported that Nigeria recorded zero grid collapses in 2025 so far. “From January to June, we have had no major disruptions. We pray this trend continues,” he added.
Adelabu also spotlighted infrastructure improvements. “The Transmission Company of Nigeria has commissioned over 70 power transformers nationwide, while the Presidential Power Initiative has accelerated grid upgrades,” he said. “These achievements stem from agreements finalised at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai, directly overseen by President Tinubu.”
Meanwhile, Adelabu revealed that the government had unbundled the Transmission Company of Nigeria, establishing the National Independent System Operator. “This long-overdue reform introduces clarity, independence, and professionalism into the sector,” he declared.
On the distribution front, he emphasised the Presidential Power Initiative’s support through ₦700 billion in funding, which will secure “1.1 billion litres of fuel by the end of 2025 and 2 billion litres annually over five years.” He also cited the World Bank‘s Distribution Sector Recovery Programme, which will add “over 3.2 million litres by 2026,” with 275 million litres already delivered this year.
Turning to renewable energy, Adelabu showcased the Energising Education Programme, where 100 MW of solar power is deployed across 37 federal universities and seven teaching hospitals. “This aligns perfectly with the President’s Renewable Hope Agenda,” he said.
The Minister also shared his inspection of projects: “I visited the University of Abuja and saw a 3.5 MW solar system. At Madubu Teaching Hospital, we installed 13 MW. Kalaba hosts 7 MW, and Trapeoka University has 5 MW. We are expanding this to 19 more key institutions.”
“I believe Nigeria is on a path of positive transformation,” Adelabu concluded. “These milestones reflect the administration’s commitment to reform, resilience, and results.”
However, he acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly financial. “We currently owe power suppliers over ₦4 trillion. This debt endangers future investments in the sector.”
He assured stakeholders that the ministry is working with development partners and financial institutions to design interventions to gradually reduce the debt burden. “This issue is urgent. Without swift and sustained action, we risk reversing our significant progress.”