Power Minister Adelabu Apologizes, Promises Improvement in Two Weeks

Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has officially apologized to Nigerians for the persistent electricity outages that have disrupted homes, businesses, schools, and industries since February.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, Adelabu cited gas supply shortfalls during the dry season as the main cause and pledged visible improvements in supply within the next two weeks.

“I want to apologize to Nigerians, officially now, coming from me as the Minister of Power, for this temporary issue that is leading to hardship being experienced, especially during this dry season,” Adelabu said. He acknowledged the impact on businesses, schools, and industries, stressing that the challenges stem from factors largely beyond the government’s control.

The crisis began when hydro power stations reduced output after the rainy season ended in late January, shifting reliance to thermal plants powered by gas. However, gas suppliers have scaled back deliveries because power generating companies currently owe them about ₦6.3 trillion, forcing several plants to shut down. This shortfall has left Nigerians facing persistent blackouts and sweltering conditions.

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Adelabu assured that the government is taking concrete steps to resolve the crisis. A special committee has been established to ensure gas suppliers meet domestic obligations, while key infrastructure repairs including work at Seplat Energy facilities are underway with defined timelines. “With the committee that we have set up, commitments from gas suppliers, and the timeline for pipeline repairs, two weeks from now, we should start seeing improvements in supply,” the minister said.

The minister also reminded Nigerians of last year’s achievements, when the government earned praise for improved power supply. “Power generation will improve, transmission will improve, distribution will improve, and that 6,000 megawatts will be achieved before the end of this year,” Adelabu stated, promising that Nigerians would soon benefit from enhanced electricity access.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated an 11-member committee to drive the establishment of the Grid Asset Management Company Limited (GAMCO), a new initiative designed to tackle stranded power generation, transmission bottlenecks, and grid management inefficiencies. The committee is chaired by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

With a clear two-week timeline for improvement and a long-term roadmap toward 6,000MW generation by year-end, the government is signaling its commitment to restoring stability in Nigeria’s power sector. Adelabu concluded by urging Nigerians to remain patient as ongoing measures take effect, emphasizing that “we are working 24/7 to return to the trajectory of 2025, when Nigerians commended us for a good job well done.”