The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced ambitious plans to generate and distribute at least 8,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity by the end of Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s first term in 2027. This target was unveiled by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, during the sixth edition of the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing Series held in Abuja on April 17, 2025.
Adelabu described the 8,000MW goal as realistic and achievable, citing a significant 40 percent improvement in power generation since the current administration took office in August 2023. He revealed that the average daily power generated and distributed in the last quarter of 2025 was 5,700MW, a marked increase from 4,100MW recorded in the third quarter of 2023.
“This indicates a growth of 1,600 megawatts, nearly 40 percent, since we assumed office at the ministry,” the minister said. He noted that Nigeria took nearly four decades—from 1984 to around 2022—to grow from 2,000MW to 4,000MW, but the current administration has added 1,700MW within just a year and a half, reaching a peak of 5,800MW.
Adelabu emphasized that if previous governments had consistently added 1,000MW annually since 1999, Nigeria would have had over 30,000MW by now. “But you cannot keep dwelling on the past. It’s the way forward. Now that we have created a trajectory, if we sustain this trajectory, by the end of this administration in 2027, we should be able to generate and distribute no less than 8,000 megawatts of power,” he assured.
Grid Stability Boosted by $2.3 Billion Siemens-Led Transmission Upgrade
A key component of the government’s power sector transformation is the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), also known as the Siemens Project, which is securing approximately $2.3 billion to revamp Nigeria’s electricity transmission infrastructure. Adelabu disclosed that nearly 90 percent of the financing has been secured and the pilot phase involving the importation, installation, commissioning, and energization of 10 power transformers and 10 mobile substations is almost complete.
This upgrade has already improved the transmission capacity by over 700MW, contributing to enhanced grid stability. Previously, the grid was prone to collapse when supply approached 5,000MW, but recent improvements have allowed the grid to sustain between 5,000MW and 8,000MW with relative stability.
“The government of Germany has been instrumental in ensuring the success of this project, with Siemens handling critical transmission projects, alongside reputable Chinese firms managing distribution projects based on their specialties,” Adelabu said.
Expansion of Energy Access and Renewable Integration
Beyond transmission upgrades, the Federal Government has prioritized expanding energy access, especially in rural and semi-urban areas previously underserved or unserved by the grid. The administration has intensified efforts to exploit renewable energy sources, particularly solar power and small hydroelectric dams, to diversify Nigeria’s energy mix and bridge the power deficit.
Adelabu highlighted that the Electricity Act of 2023, signed by President Tinubu, has provided a legal framework to support these reforms and attract private sector participation and foreign direct investment.
Record-Breaking Power Generation and Consumption
The power sector has achieved unprecedented milestones under the current administration. Nigeria recently recorded the highest average daily power consumption in its history, exceeding 20,000 kilowatt-hours, and transmitted and distributed a record 5,801.63MW, surpassing the previous peak set in 2021. The country’s generation capacity also reached a historic high of 6,003MW.
“These achievements demonstrate that when you put in consistent activity, you see tangible results,” the minister stated.
Commitment to Sustainable Power Sector Transformation
Minister Adelabu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a stable, reliable, and affordable electricity supply. The Renewed Hope Agenda focuses on four pillars: grid strengthening and expansion, renewable energy integration, policy and investment reforms, and rural electrification.
The government continues to seek technical and financial support from international partners, including the European Union, to sustain and accelerate these gains.
With a clear roadmap, significant investment, and strong political will, Nigeria’s power sector is on a transformative path. The Federal Government’s target to generate and distribute 8,000MW by 2027, supported by the $2.3 billion Siemens-led transmission upgrade and renewable energy initiatives, signals a new era of power stability and economic growth for the country.
Sources:
Punch Newspapers12
The Nation Newspaper3
Investors King4
Peoples Daily Nigeria7
Arise TV6
