FG pays N1.2trn power debt, targets 19,000MW transmission capacity

The Federal Government has paid N1.2 trillion of Nigeria’s N2.3 trillion outstanding power sector debt to ease liquidity pressures and improve electricity supply.

Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja.

The meeting was presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the State House.

Tegbe said the payment formed part of broader efforts to address liquidity challenges, particularly those affecting gas supplies to electricity generation companies.

He said the government was also pursuing measures to stabilise the national grid, strengthen transmission infrastructure and improve electricity delivery to consumers.

According to him, Lagos and adjoining areas account for approximately 50 per cent of national electricity demand, while Abuja, Kano and other locations require infrastructure improvements.

Tegbe said the government planned to expand national transmission capacity from the current 5,000 megawatts to more than 19,000 megawatts.

He said the expansion would bridge infrastructure gaps and accommodate the country’s electricity generation capacity, estimated at more than 13,000 megawatts.

The minister also said prolonged detention of consignments had affected the availability of essential materials needed for electricity infrastructure development.

He said efforts were underway to resolve the outstanding clearance issues.

Tegbe revealed that construction had commenced on a modern National Control Centre in Osogbo, Osun, to replace the existing facility, which had operated for 64 years.

He said the new centre would feature advanced monitoring and control systems to improve grid coordination, operational efficiency and nationwide transmission management.

Tegbe reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to settling outstanding financial obligations, modernising transmission infrastructure and expanding alternative energy solutions to ensure more stable and reliable electricity nationwide.