Federal Government Raises N501bn From Bond To Defray Power Sector Debts

The federal government, on Tuesday, announced the successful inaugural auction of N501 billion in bonds, with proceeds earmarked to clear inherited debts crippling the power sector, as the offer drew full 100 per cent subscription from institutional investors.

The bond was issued under the Presidential Power Sector Debt Reduction Programme (PPSDRP), and recorded 100 per centsubscription from pension funds, banks, asset managers and other investors, and marking a significant step towards resolving legacy debts, restoring liquidity, and strengthening confidence in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

The programme, championed by President Bola Tinubu, was designed to address long-standing payment arrears owed to power generation companies, put at over N4 trillion, which for over a decade constrained liquidity, weakened balance sheets and discouraged investment across the power sector value chain.

Speaking at the bond issuance signing ceremony in Lagos on Tuesday, the special adviser to the president on energy, Olu Arowolo Verheijen, stated that the programme represented a decisive reset of the electricity market, combining debt resolution with broader financial and structural reforms.

In a post on her verified X handle, Verheijen said the signing followed the successful completion of Series 1 Power Sector Bond Issuance by NBET Finance Company Plc. Series 1 issuance closed at N501 billion, comprising N300 billion raised from the capital markets and N201 billion in bonds allotted to participating power generation companies, reflecting strong investor confidence in the reform agenda.

Under the programme, verified receivables for electricity supplied between February 2015 and March 2025 are being settled through negotiated agreements with power generation companies. To date, five (5) power generation companies representing fourteen power plants nationwide; First Independent Power Limited (FIPL), Geregu Power Plc, Ibom Power Company Limited, Mabon Limited and Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC) — have executed Settlement Agreements with the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET).

The total negotiated settlement amount for these companies stands at ₦827.16 billion, to be paid in four (4) phased instalments.

Proceeds from Series 1 issuance will fund the first and second instalment payments to participating power generation companies with signed Settlement Agreements, estimated at N421.42 billion, representing approximately 50% of the total negotiated settlement amount. The payment for this initial phase will be made through a mix of cash and notes.

Also speaking, the group managing director of Sahara Power Group, Kola Adesina, which owns five power plants, said, “Capital formation can only come when there is confidence, when you can truly see a line of sight in recovering investments previously made. Because we were being owed so much, it was a bit of a problem for us to put in more money. But last year we took the bull by the horns, based on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment in resolving the legacy issues, and I can say that once this process is over, construction will commence immediately on the second phase of our Egbin Power Plant.

“On behalf of the Generation Companies, I’d like to thank the President for this resolution.”

By clearing historic arrears, the Programme is expected to improve liquidity for power generation companies, strengthen their ability to meet operating and debt obligations, unlock new investment across the sector and support more reliable electricity supply to homes and businesses. It also reinforces fiscal discipline through validated claims, negotiated settlements and transparent capital market financing.

When completed, the Programme will impact 4,483.60MWh/h of electricity generation capacity by Nigerian GenCos, effectively finalising settlement of payments for 290,644.84GWhr of electricity billed since February 2015 and providing a strong foundation for new investments into capacity enhancement and expansion by companies serving 12.03 million active registered customers across the country.

The Special Adviser to the President on Energy recognised the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as the support from the minister of finance and coordinating minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, in making the PPSDRP a reality.

She further acknowledged the support of all members of the Presidential Power Sector Debt Reduction Committee who played vital roles in making this capital raise a success, all key power sector stakeholders as well as government authorities, including the Debt Management Office, Central Bank of Nigeria, the National Pensions Commission, and the Nigerian Revenue Service, who facilitated enhancements for the Bond Issue.

CardinalStone Partners Limited, a leading Investment banking firm in Nigeria, led the consortium of appointed professional parties as Lead Financial Adviser and Lead Issuing House to successfully execute the Series 1 Bond Issue, working closely with the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) that acted as Sponsor on the Transaction, and the Office of the Special Adviser on Energy that led the settlement negotiations and engagements with the Generation Companies.

Verheijen, said, “The federal government reaffirms its commitment to disciplined implementation of the Programme, and we look forward to the participation of other power generation companies, as part of our broader reforms aimed at building a financially sustainable electricity market that is capable of supporting Nigeria’s long-term economic growth.”