The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has linked the recent improvement in Nigeria’s power grid stability to the ongoing implementation of the Presidential Power Initiative spearheaded by German engineering firm Siemens under a $2.3 billion financing structure.
Speaking during a meeting with the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria Gautier Mignot in Abuja, the minister said the transmission network has received a capacity boost of over 700 megawatts due to the near-completion of the initiative’s pilot phase.
The progress he noted has led to a more reliable and consistent transmission grid with reduced instances of collapse.
According to a statement issued by the minister’s media aide, Bolaji Tunji, about 90 percent of the new capacity has been installed and energised as supply approaches and exceeds 5,000 megawatts.
The minister explained that recent transmission levels have ranged between 5,000 and 8,000 megawatts—a development he described as the result of deliberate infrastructure investment and reforms.
Adelabu explained that the Presidential Power Initiative, which is popularly known as the Siemens Project, is central to Nigeria’s efforts to modernise its transmission and distribution systems.
He disclosed that the pilot phase involved the delivery and commissioning of 10 power transformers and 10 mobile substations across various parts of the country.
The minister also stated that the government is targeting a full-scale transformation of the national grid as it works toward achieving a generation capacity of 6,000 megawatts.
He noted that the country has already recorded the highest average daily power consumption in its history, exceeding 20,000 kilowatt-hours and the highest transmitted energy of 5,801.63 megawatts surpassing the previous record set in 2021.
While acknowledging the challenges of the past, Adelabu said the Tinubu administration is committed to long-term solutions, including increased investment in off-grid and renewable energy deployment for rural and semi-urban areas.
He added that efforts are ongoing to extend the grid to underserved regions while boosting solar and hydropower output through small-scale dams.
The minister reiterated the need for continued technical and financial support from the European Union and other partners, particularly in expanding access and improving sector efficiency.
He praised Germany’s instrumental role in the Siemens-led initiative and called for deeper collaboration with European institutions to enhance capacity building and infrastructure development.
Adelabu stated that reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda are focused on four core pillars—grid strengthening and expansion, renewable energy integration policy and investment reforms and rural electrification.
He said these components are designed to attract private sector participation and create an enabling environment for foreign direct investment.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Jennifer Adighije was honoured with the Young Achiever of the Year award at the 2025 Energy Times Awards in Lagos.
The organisers cited her role in restoring two turbine units, which added 230 megawatts to the national grid shortly after she assumed office in August 2024.
The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering stable, affordable and accessible electricity nationwide. Stakeholders say the sector’s recent gains reflect the impact of coordinated reforms, policy consistency and targeted infrastructure delivery.
