The Federal Government announced a notable increase in electricity generation, rising from 3,951MW to 4,300MW between March 28 and April 10. This improvement aligns with the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu's, pledge for enhanced electricity supply.
The surge in generation output is directly linked to a steady increase in gas supply to thermal power plants. Gas supply rose from approximately 605 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) to over 704 mmscfd within the same two-week timeframe.
Mechanical availability of power plants remained stable and even improved, reaching over 7,796MW in early April. Operational availability also saw an increase, climbing from about 4,208MW to a peak of over 4,694MW, indicating greater efficiency in converting available gas into electricity.
Mr Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser to the Minister of Power on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, stated that despite minor daily fluctuations, the overall trend shows a gradual recovery in the power sector. This recovery is largely driven by improved gas supply and better coordination among stakeholders.
Tunji emphasized the strong correlation between gas availability and generation output, highlighting the necessity for sustained interventions in the gas-to-power value chain, given Nigeria's reliance on thermal power plants.
To consolidate these gains, the Minister of Power inaugurated a Gas-to-Power Monitoring Committee. This committee is tasked with ensuring improved coordination, real-time monitoring, and sustained gas supply to generating companies. It aims to address bottlenecks in gas delivery and enhance synergy between gas producers and power generation companies.
The Minister also met with the new management of the Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), urging them to improve the agency's Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). He advised them to reduce dependence on government appropriations for operational costs and to establish more meter testing centres across the country.
Adelabu expressed confidence in the new NEMSA leadership and assured them of his full cooperation. He also addressed the shortage of manpower, particularly meter installers, and stressed the need for collaboration with the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria to train more installers and bridge the country's meter gap.
