Electricity supply will be restored within 48hrs — Minister

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has assured Nigerians that electricity supply will be restored within the next 24 to 48 hours following a temporary drop in power generation.

The disruption was caused by an explosion on the Escravos–Lagos Gas Pipeline (ELP) and acts of vandalism on key gas infrastructure, which affected gas supply to several thermal power plants across the country.

Adelabu’s statement followed a notification by the National Independent System Operator (NISO), which reported reduced output from gas-fired power stations due to the pipeline incident.

NISO confirmed that repair works by the Nigerian Gas Processing and Transportation Company (NGPTC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), are nearing completion, and full operations are expected to resume shortly.

In a statement issued by Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the Minister, Adelabu acknowledged the inconvenience faced by households and businesses.

He emphasized that the disruption is temporary and directly linked to gas supply constraints impacting several thermal power stations.

The Minister reiterated his assurances during a meeting on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, with key power sector stakeholders, including NISO, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the Ministry of Power, Power Generation Companies (GENCOs), and Distribution Companies (DISCOs).

Stakeholders confirmed that repairs to the vandalised pipelines would be completed within 24 to 48 hours, allowing gas supply and electricity generation to return to normal.

Adelabu explained that preliminary investigations linked the power shortfall to the ELP explosion and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta, which significantly reduced the gas available for electricity generation. Mm
He expressed confidence that power supply would gradually stabilize following the completion of restoration works.

“We understand the frustration this has caused Nigerians. However, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Power, is working around the clock to address the situation,” the Minister said.

He added that beyond immediate repairs, the government is pursuing long-term measures to diversify the energy mix, strengthen grid resilience, and deploy advanced technologies to protect critical infrastructure.

Adelabu urged Nigerians to be patient during the temporary disruption and encouraged communities to report suspicious activities around power and gas facilities.

He also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to providing stable, reliable, and sustainable electricity to homes, businesses, and industries nationwide.