FG clears N1.2trn debt, targets 19,000MW electricity supply

The Federal Government has paid N1.2 trillion of Nigeria’s N2.3 trillion outstanding power sector debt to ease liquidity pressures and improve electricity supply.

The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

Tegbe said the payment formed part of broader efforts to address liquidity challenges, particularly those affecting gas supplies to electricity generation companies.

Tegbe said the government was also pursuing measures to stabilise the national grid, strengthen transmission infrastructure and improve electricity delivery to consumers.

The minister stated that Lagos State and adjoining areas account for approximately 50 per cent of national electricity demand, while Abuja, Kano, and other locations require infrastructure improvements.

Tegbe said the government planned to expand national transmission capacity from the current 5,000 megawatts to more than 19,000 megawatts.

He said the expansion would bridge infrastructure gaps and accommodate the country’s power generation capacity, estimated at more than 13,000 megawatts.

Lagos govt targets 3,000MW electricity supply to end blackouts

The minister added that prolonged detention of consignments had affected the availability of essential materials needed for electricity infrastructure development.

Tegbe said efforts were underway to resolve the outstanding clearance issues.

Tegbe revealed that construction had commenced on a modern National Control Centre in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, to replace the existing facility, which had operated for 64 years.

The minister said the new centre would feature advanced monitoring and control systems to improve grid coordination, operational efficiency and nationwide transmission management.

Tegbe reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to settling outstanding financial obligations, modernising transmission infrastructure and expanding alternative energy solutions to ensure more stable and reliable electricity nationwide.