KEY POINTS
- In 2024 power generation increased form 4,100 MW to 5,528 MW.
- It moved from 59 percent to 64 percent.
- Nigeria’s metering gap is set to be closed by 2030 with N700 billion secured by Ministry.
By year-end 2024, Nigeria’s power generation capacity expanded by 30 percent from 4,100 megawatts (MW) in 2023 to a peak of 5,528 MW.
Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu broke the news during a budget defence session with the Senate Committee on Power on Monday.
Adelabu said the increase was due to the addition of the 700 MW Zungeru hydroelectric power dam and improved output from existing power plants, both hydro and thermal. However, he said that our target was 6,000 MW but ‘unforeseen grid disturbances’ caused a minor shortfall.
Energy access and renewable initiatives: progress
Energy access increased from 59 percent at the end of 2023 to 64 percent by 2024, Adelabu noted. Grid expansion and reliance on such renewable energy sources as solar, local hydro, and wind energy projects drove this improvement.
According to him, the diversification of Nigeria’s energy mix remains a priority, towards reliability and sustainability of Nigeria’s energy mix, while expanding energy access continues to be a critical focus.
Metering gap in Nigeria
Despite these advancements, Adelabu stressed the presence of seven million electricity customers than remain unmetered.
To this end, the ministry had secured a N700 billion fund to help procure two million meters annually for the next five years beginning from the first quarter of 2025.
“The initiative will fill the current metering gap and eliminate billing fraud.” With metering every customer, Adelabu stated, electricity usage is transparent and accountable.’
The minister reaffirmed his commitment to reforming the power sector in order to expand generation, enhance grid reliability and resolve customer metering challenges for the benefit of a more efficient and equitable energy system.
