- Nigeria’s power generation rose by 3% in January 2025, reaching 4,681MW, but remains below the 6,000MW target.
- The top power contributors were Egbin Power Plant (538MW), Kainji Hydro (459MW), and Delta Power Plant (443MW).
- The Federal Government is shifting focus to regional grids and solar mini-grids, starting with 21 projects in Jigawa State.
According to data from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Nigeria increased its average hourly power generation by three per cent in January 2025, reaching 4,681 megawatts (MW), up from 4,524 MW in December 2024.
NERC’s report, released yesterday, highlighted that Egbin Power Plant generated 538MW, Kainji Hydro contributed 459MW, and Delta Power Plant added 443MW, making them the top contributors to the grid in January 2025.
Despite Nigeria’s installed capacity of 13,625MW, available capacity remained low at 5,339MW, or 39.2%. This figure reflects a modest two per cent increase from the 5,237MW recorded in December 2024.
The Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) continues to struggle with increasing capacity and utilisation, a concern that has troubled the Federal Government for years. Last year, Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu gave operators a target to boost generation to 6,000MW by December 31, 2024, but they failed to meet the deadline.
Regional Grids to Improve Power Supply
In response to the ongoing problems with the national grid, the Federal Government now focuses on regional grids powered by renewable energy.
At a recent roundtable hosted by the Jigawa State Government, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), discussed the agency’s plans. He stated that REA would implement data-driven, least-cost electrification strategies.
Aliyu added that Jigawa State can immediately electrify one million people using solar mini-grids, driving economic growth and attracting investment. REA currently executes 21 mini-grid projects across 21 local government areas in Jigawa. These projects, supported by the Nigeria Electrification Programme (NEP) and the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) Minimum Subsidy Tender, aim to supply electricity to over 300,000 people.
Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa also highlighted the state’s potential for renewable energy development. He pointed out that Jigawa offers a supportive policy environment, political will, favourable physical conditions, and a welcoming investment climate.
The Federal Government aims to find alternative solutions to Nigeria’s ongoing electricity challenges by focusing on regional grids and renewable energy. As the national grid continues underperforming, the government looks to regional grids to provide a more stable and reliable power source.