FG unveils $23bn plan to fix Nigeria’s power crisis

In its efforts to bridge Nigeria’s electricity gap, the Federal Government has launched an ambitious energy access program designed to transform the nation’s energy sector.

The government stated that the programme would require $23.2bn, of which $15.5bn would be provided by the private sector.

A statement by the spokesman for the Minister of Power, Bolaji Tunji, revealed that the programme, spearheaded by Minister Adebayo Adelabu, is designed to drive sector-wide transformation.

Tunji noted that the initiative is a direct outcome of the recently concluded Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The two-day summit, which brought together African leaders, business executives, and development partners, was hosted by the Government of Tanzania, the African Union, the African Development Bank Group, and the World Bank Group. It aims to accelerate electricity access for 300 million Africans by 2030.

“Through the energy access programme, tagged the National Energy Compact, the government aims to increase electricity access from 4 per cent to 9 per cent annually, boost access to clean cooking solutions from 22 per cent to 25 per cent annually, expand renewable energy’s share in the power generation mix from 22 per cent to 50 per cent, and mobilise $15.5bn in private investment to drive last-mile electrification,” Tunji explained.

He added that these efforts align with UN Sustainable Development Goal 7, which seeks to ensure universal access to modern energy services.

Unveiling the programme, Adelabu said it would expand electricity access, increase renewable energy adoption, and improve clean cooking solutions for millions of Nigerians.

“With 150 million Nigerians already electrified, Nigeria remains committed to ensuring universal access to affordable and sustainable energy by 2030,” the minister said.

Adelabu acknowledged that while the roadmap for expansion is clear, challenges such as vandalism of power infrastructure pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s electrification efforts.

He expressed concern that transmission towers, pipelines, and distribution equipment are being targeted, disrupting supply and discouraging potential investors.

The minister stressed that protecting power assets is crucial to ensuring an uninterrupted electricity supply and sustaining progress. He added that the government is intensifying efforts to curb vandalism through enhanced security measures, stricter penalties, and improved surveillance technologies.

According to him, achieving Nigeria’s electrification targets requires substantial investment, and the government is prioritising private sector participation to unlock additional resources.