Blackouts: FG moves to fix gas supply crisis, promises improved power

The Federal Government has assured Nigerians of improved electricity supply as efforts intensify to resolve the gas shortages affecting power generation nationwide.

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, gave the assurance in his Eid-el-Fitr message on Thursday, stating that recent government interventions are beginning to address the persistent gas constraints limiting electricity output.

According to him, concrete steps are being taken to guarantee a more stable and sustainable power supply for households, businesses, and industries. He added that reforms introduced by Bola Tinubu are gradually yielding results, with Nigerians expected to see significant improvements soon.

The development comes amid a worsening power situation triggered by a standoff between gas suppliers and power generation companies over an estimated N3.3 trillion debt. The dispute led to a halt in gas supply to thermal plants, further deepening electricity shortages across the country.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Power Generation Companies, Joy Ogaji, had warned that the growing debt burden across the electricity value chain could push the sector into a major crisis.

Recent data from the Nigerian Independent System Operator shows that power generation has dropped below 4,000 megawatts in recent weeks, largely due to inadequate gas supply to thermal plants.

Further figures highlight the severity of the shortfall. While power plants require about 1,629.75 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to operate optimally, supply as of February 23, 2026, stood at just 692.00 mmscf—less than 43 per cent of demand.

As a result, Nigerians across different electricity supply bands have continued to endure prolonged blackouts, worsened by rising fuel costs and intense heat.

Despite the challenges, Adelabu expressed optimism that ongoing measures would soon translate into noticeable improvements. He stressed that resolving gas supply constraints remains critical to stabilising the power sector.

He also urged Nigerians to remain patient, describing the current difficulties as part of a broader transition toward a more reliable electricity system.

“The challenges we face today are, without doubt, the building blocks of a more prosperous tomorrow,” he said.

The minister further called for public support and collective responsibility, noting that ongoing engagements by the president—including recent meetings in the United Kingdom—are expected to attract investment into the power sector and strengthen infrastructure.

He maintained that with sustained reforms and cooperation, the government remains confident of delivering improved electricity supply in line with its development goals.