The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, has assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is committed to delivering constant and reliable electricity supply across the country by 2026. He said the goal of the government is to ensure that power supply becomes stable, accessible, and sustainable for homes, businesses, and industries.
The assurance was contained in a New Year message released on Friday in Abuja. The statement was issued by the minister’s Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Mr Bolaji Tunji.
According to the statement, Adelabu said improving electricity supply remains one of the top priorities of the Federal Government as Nigeria enters a new phase of reforms in the power sector.
“Looking ahead, our focus remains unshakable: to deliver reliable, accessible and sustainable electricity to power our homes, industries and dreams,” the minister said.
He explained that the government would build on existing efforts while introducing renewed energy and stronger commitment to fix long-standing challenges in the power sector. These challenges include unstable power supply, weak transmission infrastructure, and frequent grid disturbances.
Adelabu said a major focus in 2026 would be improving the stability of the national power grid. He noted that for many years, Nigeria has struggled with grid collapses, which often lead to nationwide blackouts.
According to him, the Federal Government has already made progress in this area and will continue to strengthen the grid to ensure steady electricity supply.
“The path forward will be driven by continuity and renewed vigour, with efforts to enhance grid stability and expand transmission infrastructure,” he said.
He explained that expanding transmission infrastructure is important because it allows electricity generated in one part of the country to be safely and efficiently delivered to other regions.
Nigeria’s power sector is made up of three major segments: generation, transmission, and distribution. While power generation has improved over the years, transmission and distribution have remained weak, leading to frequent power outages.
The minister highlighted the importance of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), popularly known as the Siemens power project. The initiative is a partnership between the Nigerian government and Siemens Energy of Germany, aimed at upgrading Nigeria’s power infrastructure.
Adelabu said the project has already helped reduce the frequent grid collapses experienced in previous years.
“As Phase One of the PPI continues, we assure Nigerians of a strengthened grid that will make disturbances a thing of the past,” he said.
The Siemens deal was introduced to modernise Nigeria’s transmission and distribution systems, increase capacity, and improve efficiency. Many experts believe the success of the project is key to achieving stable electricity nationwide.
The minister also said the government would intensify collaboration with Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) to improve service delivery to consumers.
He said efforts would be made to ensure that metering initiatives reach every community, so Nigerians can pay only for the electricity they consume.
Metering has been a major issue in the power sector, with many households still using estimated billing. This has often led to complaints and distrust between consumers and DisCos.
Adelabu said improving metering would help build confidence in the system and encourage better payment culture.
Another major programme highlighted by the minister is the Light Up Nigeria initiative. According to him, the initiative focuses on providing reliable power to industrial clusters and agricultural hubs.
“Our Light Up Nigeria initiative remains a priority, focusing on industrial clusters and agricultural hubs to stimulate economic growth and job creation,” he said.
The minister said the government’s goal is to reduce dependence on generators and create an environment where businesses can thrive using grid power.
Adelabu also said renewable energy development would be given serious attention. He explained that solar and hydropower projects would be deployed to serve underserved and rural communities that are not connected to the national grid.
Many rural areas in Nigeria still lack access to electricity, which affects education, healthcare, and economic activities.
The minister said renewable energy offers a cleaner and more affordable solution for such communities.
“Renewable energy development will be prioritised, with solar and hydropower deployed to serve underserved communities,” he said.
Looking back at 2025, Adelabu described the year as one of careful planning and steady progress in the power sector, despite existing challenges.
He said the government made deliberate efforts to strengthen the national grid and improve overall system stability.
According to him, while the problems in the power sector cannot be solved overnight, the steps taken in 2025 have laid a strong foundation for better performance in 2026.
The minister thanked Nigerians for their patience and resilience, noting that their support is critical to achieving long-term success in the power sector.
“The journey ahead requires a united front,” Adelabu said.
He called on state governments, local communities, the private sector, and ordinary citizens to support ongoing reforms.
He also urged Nigerians to protect power infrastructure, warning that vandalism and energy theft continue to undermine efforts to improve electricity supply.
Adelabu encouraged citizens to adopt energy-efficient practices, describing them as important contributions to national development.
In a special message to the people of Oyo State, Adelabu expressed appreciation for their support and goodwill.
He said the new year would bring visible and measurable progress in the power sector, both at the national and state levels.
“To my kinsmen and women in Oyo State, your unwavering support continues to fuel my dedication at the national level,” he said.
As Nigerians continue to face challenges linked to poor electricity supply, the minister’s assurance has raised hope that meaningful change is on the way.
Many Nigerians believe that reliable power supply will improve the economy, reduce unemployment and enhance the quality of life.