The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has revealed that the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) requires approximately ₦2.779 trillion to complete 149 electricity projects across the country, many of which are at various stages of completion. This was disclosed during the Ministry of Power’s budget presentation before the National Assembly.
Legislative Support and Commendations
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, acknowledged the improvements in electricity supply but emphasized the need for sustained efforts to achieve Nigeria’s energy goals. He commended the Minister’s understanding of the sector, a sentiment echoed by other lawmakers, including Senator Ashiru Oyetola of Osun State and the Chairman of the House Committee on Power, Hon. Victor Nwokolo.
Hon. Afam Ogene, Chairman of the Reps Committee on Renewable Energy, alongside Hon. Lanre Okunlola and Hon. Ezechi Nnamadi, also noted improvements in power supply while urging the Ministry to engage more with legislators to identify areas requiring further intervention.
Achievements and Plans
In his presentation, Chief Adelabu highlighted key achievements since his appointment, including an increase in electricity generation capacity from 4,100 MW to a peak of 5,270 MW. He attributed this progress to better utilization of existing infrastructure, commissioning of new power plants, and ongoing project completions.
The Minister disclosed that 95% of the pilot phase of the Siemens Presidential Power Initiative has been completed, with the second phase set to commence. This phase involves the construction of five substations across the country, aimed at stabilizing the grid and addressing issues like grid collapses caused by outdated equipment.
Tackling Challenges
Chief Adelabu called for collaborative efforts to address critical issues such as vandalism of power infrastructure, describing it as a major threat to electricity supply. “The damage to transmission lines and towers, such as the Shiroro-Mando-Kaduna line, highlights the need for robust advocacy and enhanced security measures involving the Army, Air Force, Navy, Police, and Civil Defence,” he stated.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of working with the National Security Adviser to combat banditry and cable theft, which have escalated in recent years.
Encouraging Local Procurement
To conserve foreign exchange and reduce procurement delays, the Ministry plans to prioritize local contractors for materials like cables and poles. Chief Adelabu noted that this initiative would not only support local industries but also streamline project execution.
A Call for Support
Addressing the lawmakers, the Minister underscored the urgent need for increased funding. “For the TCN alone, we need ₦2.779 trillion to execute these 149 projects. Our total budget as a Ministry is not even close to this amount. We rely on your cooperation to meet the President’s mandate of stable electricity for Nigerians,” he stated.
Looking Ahead
Chief Adelabu assured lawmakers that the Federal Government is fully committed to addressing the electricity challenges in 2025, with a focus on stabilizing the grid and reducing the frequency of outages. “We are confident that with the Presidential Power Initiative and other ongoing projects, 2025 will be a turning point for Nigeria’s power sector,” he concluded.
