- Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, expressed that Nigeria needs $10 billion annually for the next 20 years to fix its power sector
- New electricity laws had decentralised power sector, empowering states to manage electricity supply
- To combat the shortfall in power supply, a 2.5MW solar hybrid plant was commissioned as part of the broader national energy access push
Adebayo Adelabu, Nigeria’s Minister of Power, has said that Nigeria requires at least $10 billion in yearly investments over the next 20 years to achieve a stable and reliable electricity supply across the country.
Adelabu made this known on Tuesday, May 14, during a media briefing shortly after commissioning a 2.5 megawatt (MW) solar hybrid power plant at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna.
According to him, the chronic infrastructure deficit in the power sector is the result of six decades of underinvestment, poor maintenance, and failure to modernize Nigeria’s transmission systems.
“To achieve a functional, reliable, and stable electricity supply in Nigeria, we need nothing less than $10 billion every year for the next 10 to 20 years,” he said.
However, the minister pointed out that such an investment would only be effective if fundamental challenges that have long plagued the sector are addressed. He noted that the current administration is actively working to resolve these issues.
One of the government’s key interventions, he said, is the recent signing of the electricity act, which has restructured the power sector by decentralizing control.
“This bill has brought about the liberalization and decentralisation of the power sector. States and local governments can now legally and morally take part in power generation, transmission, distribution, and metering. Over eleven states have already taken up this opportunity, with more expected to join,” the minister explained
He reiterated the government’s commitment to rebuilding the sector’s infrastructure, particularly the transmission grid, which has been neglected for decades.
Solar power for national development
Also speaking at the event, Abba Aliyu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), described the launch of the solar hybrid plant at NDA as a major milestone in the push for sustainable energy in Nigerian institutions.
According to Aliyu, the project, which is a part of the Energy for Education Programme (EEP) Phase II, is more than just an energy solution. He said it reflects the country’s broader mission to use clean power to drive educational excellence, national security, and technological innovation.
“This is not just about providing electricity. It’s about creating an environment that supports academic research, security operations, and socio-economic advancement,” Aliyu added.
Power Minister Adelabu announces shift of FG’s focus to renewable energy
In an earlier report by TheRadar, the Federal Government, through the Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, announced a strategic shift towards the renewable energy sector to address energy access challenges and enhance supply to critical sectors such as education, health, agriculture, rural communities, and transportation.
The move was part of efforts to meet the energy needs of millions of Nigerians, particularly in rural areas.
