Power Minister Says Federal Gov’t Tackling GenCos’ Gas Shortages, Gives No Specifics

The federal government has said it is actively implementing decisive steps to address persistent gas supply challenges faced by Generation Companies (GenCos), which have hampered electricity production across Nigeria.

This assurance came from the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, in his Eid al-Fitr message, in which he expressed confidence that these interventions are already producing gradual improvements and will lead to a significantly enhanced power supply in the near future.

However, the minister did not specify the exact steps the federal government is taking to resolve the gas shortage.

He expressed optimism that these interventions are already yielding gradual improvements and will significantly enhance power supply in the near future.

“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 added

Recall that the power sector has faced chronic gas shortages in recent months, with generating companies stranded at about 40 per cent capacity despite over 13,000 MW potential, due to upstream constraints, vandalism, and infrastructure gaps, as well as legacy debt to gas suppliers

Thermal power plants, which generate about 70 per cent of Nigeria’s electricity, have received less than 43 per cent of the required gas volumes, resulting in power generation dropping below 3,940MW.

Key causes, the GenCos said, included N3.3 trillion in debt owed to gas suppliers and N6.8 trillion in total debt to GenCos from government and NBET, leading to supply cuts and plant shutdowns.

The gas shortages have triggered nationwide electricity blackouts, reduced grid supply, and prolonged outages, leaving households with unreliable power and businesses with higher backup costs.

The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) attributed drops to 4,300MW (February 2026) and 3,940MW (March 2026) to gas shortfalls constraining thermal units, noting supply at under 43 per cent of needs.

Despite all the challenges and media reports, there was no response from the Minister until the ministry’s statement on Thursday.

Adelabu stated that concrete measures are underway to deliver more reliable and sustainable electricity to homes, businesses, and industries, crediting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda for laying the groundwork.

“The reforms initiated by President Tinubu are beginning to take root, and Nigerians will soon witness the full benefits,” he stated.

Beyond the power sector updates, the minister urged Nigerians to extend the spirit of sacrifice from the 30 days of Ramadan into a sustained commitment to national development.

He emphasised collective discipline and selflessness as key to unlocking the nation’s potential, noting that current challenges serve as building blocks for a prosperous tomorrow.”

Let me warmly felicitate with Nigerians, particularly our Muslim brothers and sisters, on this auspicious occasion,” Adelabu said. “The past 30 days have been devoted to spiritual renewal, self-denial, and a recommitment to faith and righteousness. As we have individually sought purification and growth, we must now extend that same spirit of sacrifice to our nation—through unwavering dedication to its progress and alignment with the policies and programmes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”He further highlighted the need for public trust and cooperation to ensure the success of the administration’s agenda, noting President Tinubu’s recent engagements in the United Kingdom as milestones that promise investment and economic gains. Adelabu called for unity, patience, and shared responsibility, concluding that enduring national progress demands collective sacrifice and steadfast commitment to a common vision.