Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has apologised to Nigerians for the recent wave of electricity outages, assuring citizens that efforts are underway to stabilise supply in the coming days.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Adelabu acknowledged the hardship caused by the disruptions, particularly during the intense dry season heat. He noted that homes, businesses, schools, and industries have all been affected, stressing that the situation was not intentional but driven by factors beyond the government’s immediate control.
The minister explained that a major cause of the outages is insufficient gas supply to power generation companies, largely due to outstanding debts owed to gas suppliers. He also warned that ongoing tensions in the Middle East could further strain supply conditions.
Nigeria’s power sector, which relies heavily on gas-fired plants, has long struggled with challenges such as pipeline issues, ageing infrastructure, and financial constraints—factors that continue to limit electricity generation and distribution.
To tackle the problem, Adelabu proposed expanding renewable energy solutions, especially off-grid and mini-grid systems, describing them as a cost-effective way to improve access without putting additional pressure on the national grid. He also called for greater integration of solar, hydro, and other renewable sources into the energy mix to enhance energy security and reduce dependence on gas.
Beyond the power sector, Adelabu declined to confirm speculation about a possible 2027 governorship bid in Oyo State. Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has directed all federal appointees with political ambitions to resign by March 31, a deadline the minister noted has not yet elapsed.
