Amid growing public frustration over the recent drop in electricity supply, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has assured Nigerians that power will be swiftly restored within the next 24 to 48 hours.
The disruption, he said, was caused by an explosion on the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline and compounded by vandalism on critical gas infrastructure.
In a statement released Tuesday night by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, the minister expressed deep concern over the inconvenience the blackout has caused homes and businesses across the country.
Speaking after an emergency meeting with key stakeholders—including the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), power generation companies (GenCos), and distribution companies (DisCos)—Adelabu said all efforts are being intensified to restore normalcy.
“We understand the frustration this has caused Nigerians. However, we wish to assure the public that the federal government, through the Ministry of Power, is working round the clock to address the situation with utmost urgency,” Adelabu said.
According to the NISO, the explosion and vandalism disrupted gas supply to several thermal power stations, leading to a nationwide dip in electricity generation. The Nigerian Gas Processing and Transportation Company (NGPTC), a subsidiary of the NNPC, has reportedly made significant progress on repair work, with full restoration expected within 48 hours.
Adelabu noted that the timing of the disruption—coinciding with the festive Yuletide season—has made the situation even more pressing.
“These incidents significantly reduced the volume of gas required to power key electricity plants, resulting in a sharp decline in overall generation on the national grid,” he explained.
He directed all relevant agencies to stay on high alert and ensure that restoration timelines are strictly followed. While immediate recovery is the priority, the minister revealed that long-term strategies are underway to strengthen Nigeria’s power sector.
“We are accelerating efforts to diversify our energy mix, improve grid resilience, and deploy advanced surveillance systems to protect vital infrastructure,” Adelabu said.
He also appealed to communities across the country to support security efforts by reporting suspicious activities near gas and power facilities, stressing that “the protection of national infrastructure is a shared responsibility.”
Reaffirming the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to power sector reforms, Adelabu promised a more reliable and sustainable electricity supply in the months ahead.
“The goal remains clear: to power homes, energize industries, and fuel national development,” he concluded.
