The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu announced on Wednesday, that Nigeria has achieved an all-time high energy generation of 5,801 megawatts, followed by a record daily energy output of 120,370  megawatt-hours. 

This landmark feat, he noted, marks the highest ever energy consumption in a single day by Nigerians and took place under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu .

Delivering his speech at the inauguration of the new 180MW AFAM II power plant in Rivers State, a project developed by Sahara Energy, Minister Adelabu said, “On the 2nd of March 2025, we achieved an all-time high energy generation of 5,801 MW, followed by a record daily energy output of 120,370 MWh.”

He added that “On the same day, this is the highest-ever energy consumed in a day by Nigerians, and it happened during President Ashura Echebele’s reign.“

He further said “It is with deep honour and immense gratitude that I address you today regarding this large-scale gas-powered plant.”

He emphasised the importance of collaboration between the private sector, business, and government, stating: “The landmark project is energy between the private sector, the business and the public sector. We have to come together in this preparation, collaboration and negotiation for any government to succeed in its global growth and support on Africa’s economy, which is evident in this country.”

Minister Adelabu praised the government’s strategic policy reforms and private sector partnerships, adding, “It is about what has been claimed by one national leadership, progressive policy reforms and strategic private sector partnership aligned towards a common goal of delivering sustainable, functional, affordable and renewable power.”

He acknowledged President Tinubu  commitment to the power sector, saying, “Your Excellency, let me begin by expressing my sincere appreciation for the unwavering support to the power sector. Your new government has not only regained national confidence, but it has also capitalised on a wave of reforms that are breathing life into long-standing structural issues within our electricity value chain.”

“These projects, 180 megawatts of reliable generation capacity, are a product of that bold reform agenda made possible because of your leadership and your commitment to universal energy access for our future generations,” the Minister added. “Under your visionary and progressive leadership, the Nigerian power sector has recorded some of the most influential transformative gains in decades.”

Adelabu highlighted the impact of the Electricity Act of 2023, signed by the President, which “ensures active participation of the states, governments, and development of the power sector, where resources will be transferred not literally on the site, but to a total level.”

He described this as a “critical milestone in servicing power for development and energy access at a sufficient level that could only be possible by your leadership.”

Addressing historical challenges, the Minister said, “It was put down to the former states, and it was put down to the former Democratic Unions to have electricity access. That is what we are facing today.”

Minister Adelabu noted the recent expansion of generation capacity, including the commissioning of the 700MW Zungolu hydro power plant and increased investment in the national grid, which contributed to the record figures.

Despite ongoing challenges such as vandalism, he proudly reported, “We have recorded zero grid collapses in 2025 so far. Between January and June there has not been any critical collapse. We pray that this continues.”

The Minister also pointed to infrastructure upgrades, saying, “This was matched to commissioning of over 70 power transformers across the country by the Transmission Company of Nigeria and the success of the Presidential Power Initiative, which was made possible by the signing of an agreement to accelerate the implementation of the Presidential Power Initiative on the side of the COP28 climate summit in Dubai, personally overseen by Your Excellency.”

He revealed a major structural reform: “Through Your Excellency’s approval, we have unbundled the Transmission Company of Nigeria and patented the National Independent System Operator, a feat past governments attempted but could not deliver.”

“This structural change will clearly bring clarity, professionalism, independence, and efficiency to build and protect our nation,” Adelabu stated.

On the distribution front, he cited the Presidential Power Initiative backed by ₦700 billion in funding, which will “protect the deployment of 1.1 billion litres by the end of 2025 and 2 billion litres annually for the next five years.”

He explained that the World Bank’s Distribution Sector Recovery Programme will add “over 3.2 million litres by 2026,” already receiving an initial 275 million litres this year, “addressing the nuclear crisis plaguing the sector while simultaneously resolving the estimated building crisis.”

Highlighting renewable energy efforts, the Minister said, “Under the Energising Education Programme, 100 MW of solar power is being deployed across 37 federal universities and 7 teaching hospitals, in line with Your Excellency’s Renewable Hope Agenda.”

He shared personal visits to institutions benefiting from solar projects: “I have gone to the University of Abuja, I have seen it, 3.5 MW in there. I have been to Madhubu Teaching Hospital, 13 MW in there. I have been to Kalaba, 7 MW. The University of Abuja, Trapeoka, 5 MW. The Midlands Peace Academy, I just mentioned the 3.5 MW. We have 19 more key social institutions.”

“I believe Nigeria is changing for the better,” he concluded. “Your Excellency, all these milestones are a reflection of your deep commitment to reform, resilience, and results.”

The Minister did not shy away from challenges, highlighting the sector’s financial liabilities: “Today, tankers are owed over ₦4 trillion. This threatens your precious and future investments in this sector.”

He assured that, “The ministry is working closely with relevant MTAs, development partners, and financial institutions to structure interventions that will gradually defray some of these liabilities.”

Adelabu warned, “This challenge is enormous and requires urgent and sustained attention and action. Without immediate attention, we risk a collapse of the sector, threatening the gains we have made thus far.”

Boluwatife Enome

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