Nigeria on track for 24/7 power supply, says power minister

Nigeria is on track to achieve continuous electricity availability, the Federal Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, announced at the unveiling of new training and accommodation facilities in Abuja.

During the opening ceremony of two newly constructed blocks at the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN), which include five state-of-the-art training workshops and a 104-room dormitory, Minister Adelabu stressed the government’s agenda to delivering on its promises to revamp the power sector. He described the development as a pivotal step for both the institute and the nation.

The minister emphasized that the administration led by President Bola Tinubu has made tangible progress, with the country now experiencing record levels in power generation and grid transmission. He expressed optimism that a future of uninterrupted electricity supply running 24/7 is within reach, backed by clear indicators of progress.

Power is identified as a cornerstone for the growth of vital sectors such as education, healthcare, and aviation. To this end, Adelabu emphasized Nigeria’s potential for full self-sufficiency by manufacturing essential power equipment domestically, including meters, cables, transformers, and batteries.

The newly commissioned training hubs and residential amenities will empower youth with contemporary knowledge and tools to foster innovation and generate employment opportunities.

NAPTIN’s Director-General, Ahmed Nagode, described the enhancements as a foundation for a stable power across the country. He also revealed plans to partner with stakeholders to launch the Next Generation Rescue Campaign aimed at developing the next cadre of Nigerian energy leaders.

The role of international partners was acknowledged, with Nagode applauding the support from the European Union and the French Government, facilitated through Agence Française de Développement (AFD). EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, shared that the European bloc contributed €8 million towards the project and has supported power sector reforms in Nigeria for over a decade. Together, they have developed an extensive curriculum of 95 courses blending technical and non-technical disciplines.

Mignot further outlined the EU’s pledge of €100 million for renewable energy projects, targeting the addition of 400 megawatts of clean power capacity by 2027 to benefit more than five million Nigerians.