Minister Outlines 2026 Power Delivery Plan, Says No More Grid Collapses

The  minister of Power,  Adebayo Adelabu, has outlined an ambitious 2026 power delivery plan, declaring an end to the grid collapses that plagued Nigeria in previous years, due to accelerated reforms under the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI).

The PPI, often referred to as the Siemens deal, represents a landmark partnership with Germany’s Siemens AG, initiated in 2019 to overhaul Nigeria’s aging transmission network, install new substations, and boost capacity from 5,000MW to over 25,000MW in phases.

In his New Year message to Nigerians and Oyo State residents, Adelabu hailed 2025 as a year of “focused groundwork and deliberate strides within the power sector,” spotlighting Phase 1 progress.

“A lot was done to strengthen the national grid through the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) known as the Siemens deal. This is why we have curbed the incessant grid collapse of previous years,” he stated emphatically.

“As Phase 1 of the PPI continues, we assure of a strengthened grid that will make grid disturbance a thing of the past.”

Adelabu’s assurances come amid Nigeria’s chronic power woes, where grid failures had caused billions in economic losses for industries and households. He positioned 2026 as the year to consolidate gains and expand access:

“Our focus remains unshakable: to deliver reliable, accessible, and sustainable electricity to power our homes, industries, and dreams. The path forward is built on continuity and renewed vigour.”

Adelabu detailed specific 2026 actions, including “enhancing grid stability and expanding our transmission infrastructure to minimise disruptions,” intensifying collaboration with distribution companies for better service, and ensuring “our metering initiative reach every community.”

Key pillars of the plan include deepening grid stability through transmission infrastructure upgrades to “minimise disruptions,” closer ties with distribution companies (DisCos) for improved service delivery, and a nationwide metering drive to “reach every community.”

The minister reaffirmed commitment to the ‘Light Up Nigeria’ initiative—a targeted electrification programme launched to power industrial clusters like those in Kano, Ogun, and Lagos, as well as agricultural hubs in the North—aiming “to stimulate economic growth and job creation.”

The ‘Light Up Nigeria’ initiative will target industrial clusters and agricultural hubs “to stimulate economic growth and job creation,” alongside renewable energy pushes for solar and hydropower in underserved areas

He said that renewables will play a bigger role too, with expanded solar mini-grids and hydropower “to bring light to underserved areas.”

He extended greetings to Nigerians and Oyo state indigenous.

“I extend my heartfelt greetings and warmest wishes to every Nigerian, and with particular affection to my dear kinsmen and women at home in Oyo State.

May the coming year be a harbinger of light, progress, and collective prosperity.” He acknowledged public resilience: “The outgoing year has been one of focused groundwork.

We have confronted complex challenges head-on, from grid resilience to distribution efficiencies, and I remain profoundly grateful for the resilience and understanding you have shown.”

Adelabu stressed partnership is essential. “The journey ahead requires a united front,” he urged, calling on state governments, local communities, the private sector, and citizens to protect infrastructure and adopt energy-efficient practices.

“Your steadfastness is the bedrock upon which we are building a more robust energy future… Let us step into the new year with a shared commitment and a collective spirit of optimism. The work continues, and our resolve is stronger than ever. I wish you all a peaceful, prosperous, and brilliantly lit new year,” he stated.