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Where’s The Light? - Nigerians Knock Adelabu Over Failed Two-week Power Promise - Politics (2) - Nairaland

Nairaland ForumNairaland GeneralPoliticsWhere’s The Light? - Nigerians Knock Adelabu Over Failed Two-week Power Promise (5952 Views)

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Re: Where’s The Light? - Nigerians Knock Adelabu Over Failed Two-week Power Promise by AlphaTaikun: 9:30am On Apr 12
Reference:
Abi. We have been telling them since.
Those we praise and worship as leaders have not realized this until they are neck deep in debt.

We continue to say this.
GAS TO ELECTRICITY IS TOO, TOO, TOO EXPENSIVE for a developing country such as ours.

Export your gas to wealthy nations and use the proceeds to invest in cheaper energy sources.

There are hundreds of coal power plants going out of circulation in the Americas, Europe and Asia because of climate change and a new green world. Buy them at a cheap and fire them back up to kick start your own industrial revolution.

If the west harasses you then ask them for grants to set up your own green economy. There are thousand and thousands of acres of unsuitable land all over Nigeria you can turn to solar power parks like the Chinese are doing. They have recently cut export subsidies on solar wares so bring them into to manufacture here.
The above submissions are brilliantly stated!

The Chinese have ALSO invested heavily in electric vehicles and BYD from China sold a record number of electric cars in 2025 alone around the world.

There's also mini-hydro turbines and micro-hydro turbines which other countries use to get power from small streams and rivers or the use of hybrid solar/wind power systems for a seamless day and night renewable energy. The people complaining daily online and offline have for years been too mentally paralyzed and lazy to take the initiatives to cut themselves off from the national grid and go off-grid.

There's biogas from animal and human waste including rural and urban wastes that can generate electricity in urban and rural areas.

A mix of renewable energy is the way to go.

Malaysia doesn't go through the stress other OPEC countries such as Nigeria go through whenever there's a spike in international crude oil prices due to global geopolitical tensions for several decades now because they invested heavily in gas infrastructure by exporting their huge natural gas for FX returns.

Nigeria is largely a gas-rich country. The natural gas reserves and even the bitumen reserves in the bitumen belt stretching from the 4 States of Lagos to Ogun to Ondo to Edo States are far more than Nigeria's entire crude oil reserves or deposits.
Re: Where’s The Light? - Nigerians Knock Adelabu Over Failed Two-week Power Promise by Reference(m): 9:33am On Apr 12
AlphaTaikun:
Do NOT depend on one source of energy supply. A Mix of energy sources is the key. Period.
Let me bring back.my former rudimentary take on this, practically speaking. I know folks won't like this but.

If the vision for those novelty highways being constructed that allegedly cost 15 trillion was channeled to solve power, by the end of this regime the country will have been totally transformed.

Let us say 3 trillion has been spent so far (no one knows). That amount will get no less than 7,000 megawatts in raw panel power alone. Double the effective energy output of the gencos presently. This is energy once amortised costs virtually zero naira. Cheap enough for Nigerians to profit with.

Add a couple of trillions more to instal and inject into the national grid you can have an area of 50,000 acres doubling the supply of electricity to the grid in daytime. That size of land is more than available in the far cloudless north of this country and you can surround it with a garrison of soldiers if you fear sabotage.

At night when solar sleeps you can then fall back on Gasco's and hydro to give you the 3,500 or so megawatts as a backup or as battery storage because power consumption at those periods drops drastically.

Is this not worth considering. The kinds of things we should be talking about in this country amongst the people and the experts.
Re: Where’s The Light? - Nigerians Knock Adelabu Over Failed Two-week Power Promise by AlphaTaikun: 9:46am On Apr 12
Reference:
Let me bring back.my former rudimentary take on this, practically speaking. I know folks won't like this but.

If the vision for those novelty highways being constructed that allegedly cost 15 trillion was channeled to solve power, by the end of this regime the country will have been totally transformed.

Let us say 3 trillion has been spent so far (no one knows). That amount will get no less than 7,000 megawatts in raw panel power alone. Double the effective energy output of the gencos presently. This is energy once amortised costs virtually zero naira. Cheap enough for Nigerians to profit with.

Add a couple of trillions more to instal and inject into the national grid you can have an area of 50,000 acres doubling the supply of electricity to the grid in daytime. That size of land is more than available in the far cloudless north of this country and you can surround it with a garrison of soldiers if you fear sabotage.

At night when solar sleeps you can then fall back on Gasco's and hydro to give you the 3,500 or so megawatts as a backup or as battery storage because power consumption at those periods drops drastically.


Is this not worth considering. The kinds of things we should be talking about in this country amongst the people and the experts.
You have strong points there.

However, the highly respected Economist and UN advisor, Prof. Jefferey Sachs did say in a widely circulated video of him giving an extempore speech at the African Union HQ in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia about 5 years ago that in times of economic restructuring and economic downturns, a country has to invest massively in important infrastructure such as roads, energy, education, etc, using long-term loans at single-digit interest rates. He affirmed that once you have these investments such as roads, etc, the investors will come in even WITHOUT being invited.
Re: Where’s The Light? - Nigerians Knock Adelabu Over Failed Two-week Power Promise by lawani(m): 9:47am On Apr 12
AlphaTaikun:
The above submissions are brilliantly stated!

The Chinese have ALSO invested heavily in electric vehicles and BYD from China sold a record number of electric cars in 2025 alone around the world.

There's also mini-hydro turbines and micro-hydro turbines which other countries use to get power from small streams and rivers or the use of hybrid solar/wind power systems for a seamless day and night renewable energy. The people complaining daily online and offline have for years been too mentally paralyzed and lazy to take the initiatives to cut themselves off from the national grid and go off-grid.

There's biogas from animal and human waste including rural and urban wastes that can generate electricity in urban and rural areas.

A mix of renewable energy is the way to go.

Malaysia doesn't go through the stress other OPEC countries such as Nigeria go through whenever there's a spike in international crude oil prices due to global geopolitical tensions for several decades now because they invested heavily in gas infrastructure by exporting their huge natural gas for FX returns.

Nigeria is largely a gas-rich country. The natural gas reserves and even the bitumen reserves in the bitumen belt stretching from the 4 States of Lagos to Ogun to Ondo to Edo States are far more than Nigeria's entire crude oil reserves or deposits.
Instead of individuals going off grid why not all generated electricity be fed into the grid and everybody metered? Solar, wind, gas and etc and within one year there will be electricity at least twelve hours a day for those whose main supply is solar and don't have batteries
Re: Where’s The Light? - Nigerians Knock Adelabu Over Failed Two-week Power Promise by TommyAnthem(m): 9:47am On Apr 12
Even Iran that is at war have steady power supply, just watch some clips of night time in some of their cities, you will notice light everywhere. It still baffles me, that since independence uptill now, Nigeria can't boast of steady power supply. Sometimes, I just feel there's something wrong with the blackman. We are jinxed.
Re: Where’s The Light? - Nigerians Knock Adelabu Over Failed Two-week Power Promise by Reference(m): 9:49am On Apr 12
AlphaTaikun:
The above submissions are brilliantly stated!

The Chinese have ALSO invested heavily in electric vehicles and BYD from China sold a record number of electric cars in 2025 alone around the world.

There's also mini-hydro turbines and micro-hydro turbines which other countries use to get power from small streams and rivers or the use of hybrid solar/wind power systems for a seamless day and night renewable energy. The people complaining daily online and offline have for years been too mentally paralyzed and lazy to take the initiatives to cut themselves off from the national grid and go off-grid.

There's biogas from animal and human waste including rural and urban wastes that can generate electricity in urban and rural areas.

A mix of renewable energy is the way to go.

Malaysia doesn't go through the stress other OPEC countries such as Nigeria go through whenever there's a spike in international crude oil prices due to global geopolitical tensions for several decades now because they invested heavily in gas infrastructure by exporting their huge natural gas for FX returns.

Nigeria is largely a gas-rich country. The natural gas reserves and even the bitumen reserves in the bitumen belt stretching from the 4 States of Lagos to Ogun to Ondo to Edo States are far more than Nigeria's entire crude oil reserves or deposits.
Agreed.
But the economic model of this present government is to maximize value for all it's assets. Meaning we Nigerians have to pay for these things at a price the rest of the world pays for them, like we don't own them.

I don't challenge that model. It is a responsible one. A farmer that grows yams should not eat yams at a lower price than he sells to his customers or he and his farm will never grow and develop. It is a mindset thing.

So I say sell gas to Nigerians at international price and let the very, very, very few who can afford it take it. In other climes power does not have a fixed price from location to location. California doesn't have anything to generate electricity so it is expensive there compared to other states having say abundant blue energy.

However since we have also decided to run a unitary state and economy we just have to have a proper energy mix to reduce cost if not we either sink in debts to power companies (as we are presently) or remain in darkness and not develop.

It is incumbent on government to think about and find cheaper energy for the country. Electricity is GDP and jobs and prosperity. Lack of it or unaffordability is the opposite.

Gas is just too expensive. Imagine you using your cooking gas cylinder to power your small generator or imagine if your lpg converted car were running your house or office 24/7. Imagine the cost. Even in more prosperous Europe the price is a big, big deal.

I was in Port Harcourt recently and a family was using firewood to cook outside. There was electricity on in the house (obviously stolen) and the reality of how much gas had been burnt to provide that electricity between when the firewood was started till when the meal was done hit me. Could the firewood have generated that much electricity. No. But that was what they could afford.
Re: Where’s The Light? - Nigerians Knock Adelabu Over Failed Two-week Power Promise by AlphaTaikun:
Reference:
Agreed.
But the economic model of this present government is to maximize value for all it's assets. Meaning we Nigerians have to pay for these things at a price the rest of the world pays for them, like we don't own them.

I don't challenge that model. It is a responsible one. A farmer that grows yams should not eat yams at a lower price than he sells to his customers or he and his farm will never grow and develop. It is a mindset thing.

So I say sell gas to Nigerians at international price and let the very, very, very few who can afford it take it. In other climes power does not have a fixed price from location to location. California doesn't have anything to generate electricity so it is expensive there compared to other states having say abundant blue energy.

However since we have also decided to run a unitary state and economy we just have to have a proper energy mix to reduce cost if not we either sink in debts to power companies (as we are presently) or remain in darkness and not develop.

It is incumbent on government to think about and find cheaper energy for the country.
Electricity is GDP and jobs and prosperity. Lack of it or unaffordability is the opposite.
Succinctly stated.

Even the Aso Rock Villa is now entirely off-grid with the use of the cheaper solar energy. These folks know what to do in terms of delivering cheaper renewable energy mix. They just have to have a sense of urgency to bring things to reality.

Based off of the new Power Laws, power generation is NOW off the exclusive list so the 36 states of Nigeria and their Governors have to wake up and deploy all kinds of cheaper power generation stations.
Re: Where’s The Light? - Nigerians Knock Adelabu Over Failed Two-week Power Promise by Lithiumite: 10:10am On Apr 12
hegelian:
our grand fathers defended rubbish they sufferred for it and pass down the suffering to ur fathers, our fathers also defended rubbish and compounded the rubbish and passed the double suffering to us, we are defending the tripple double rubbish too and passing it down to GENZ and quadrippling the suffereing and they will pass it down to and because we wanna be right and we wanna win.. if we joined hand together to critisize a govt that failed and they lose election, we joined hand together to criticise the coming one till they lose too and eventually they will start listing to us by doing the right thing... we started well by criticising GEJ till he lost election and PMB came in, if we had continue or defended those criticising pmb failures and not turning it to tribal jabs, we would have grown to criticise tinubu well enough and in a generation or two, we will be balanced and criticism woould have become a norm and would have been better for the country.. we wold have all realized that loyalty is not to any politician but to the country.. we would have learnt that loyalty to an individual stop immediately it diverge from the interest of the country and its people...
Show me one single time you have criticised obi,just one then you would be worth the attention!!
Re: Where’s The Light? - Nigerians Knock Adelabu Over Failed Two-week Power Promise by Reference(m): 10:15am On Apr 12
Honestly if I were to be government, the way the US government commissioned Henry Ford to use his enormous industrial capacity to manufacture war machines to arm the US military for the Second World war so I will commission Dangote to manufacture green energy components like panels and all the generating components.

That man and his industrial acumen can easily mobilize resources to double energy production in this country with certain government guarantees.
Re: Where’s The Light? - Nigerians Knock Adelabu Over Failed Two-week Power Promise by dododawa1: 10:17am On Apr 12
Nigeria




needed





DIVIDED
Re: Where’s The Light? - Nigerians Knock Adelabu Over Failed Two-week Power Promise by iamjavadem(m): 10:19am On Apr 12
I am on band A in Ajah and I have had light for 2 weeks now, maybe they take light 8 hours in 3 days tops.
Re: Where’s The Light? - Nigerians Knock Adelabu Over Failed Two-week Power Promise by Reference(m): 10:24am On Apr 12
AlphaTaikun:
Succinctly stated.

Even the Aso Rock Villa is now entirely off-grid with the use of the cheaper solar energy. These folks know what to do in terms of delivering cheaper renewable energy mix. They just have to have a sense of urgency to bring things to reality.

Based off of the new Power Laws, power generation is NOW off the exclusive list so the 36 states of Nigeria and their Governors have wake up and deploy all kinds of cheaper power generation stations.
Yes, states can do so. Individuals can also do so. But responsibility still lies with the Federal government to envision and fashion models that are practicable.

Just like oil and gas. Anyone can invest in it but at the end of the day they operate under a Federal government that has to lead. I have not seen the Federal government set targets, set framework or standards for states.

I think Rivers state is the only state in Nigeria where there are two distinct distribution grids. Folks there can choose to connect to what they call the 'Federal line' or the other (state), with the 'Federal' line being more qualitative as I understand.

The fact that it is called Federal line and the truth that transmission still bears federal footprint shows that power is till their baby.

Well if Aso Rock has bailed from the National grid that is their business but it doesn't show leadership. Is it encouraging individualism or what. They said they have a program to extend it to all government properties and infrastructure. Is this responsibility. What about those who cannot afford green energy to power their homes and businesses....
Re: Where’s The Light? - Nigerians Knock Adelabu Over Failed Two-week Power Promise by Okwutemaven: 10:33am On Apr 12
GBAM! grin






LeeSmart:
Is that clear? Yes sir!!!
shout egbooooonnnn😁😁
Re: Where’s The Light? - Nigerians Knock Adelabu Over Failed Two-week Power Promise by prosper606(m): 10:49am On Apr 12
Minister Of Power
Using power bank🫣😒😒

Re: Where’s The Light? - Nigerians Knock Adelabu Over Failed Two-week Power Promise by Pigstormentor: 10:53am On Apr 12
Your area na ghetto were prepaid meters are nonexistent. grin


Lithiumite:
There has been some improvement in my area in lagos for over 2 weeks now,there is power as I speak now.....ifako ijaiye, lagos.
Re: Where’s The Light? - Nigerians Knock Adelabu Over Failed Two-week Power Promise by 12345baba(m): 10:56am On Apr 12
But i no see any knock
Re: Where’s The Light? - Nigerians Knock Adelabu Over Failed Two-week Power Promise by olumike001(m): 11:27am On Apr 12
Mindlog:
Improvement, as in 24hrs electricity supply in your area?

Though some Nigerians believe they don't deserve 24hrs electricity supply.

APC has been in government for 11 years and still can't get the power sector right!
So U want to move from 0hours to 24 hours. Okay no problem
Re: Where’s The Light? - Nigerians Knock Adelabu Over Failed Two-week Power Promise by blowjohn(m): 11:57am On Apr 12
Those people that call themselves rabbits or ratels won't see this one o. Na where dem dey owe celebrity money their power dey grin grin

Very confused set of people.
Re: Where’s The Light? - Nigerians Knock Adelabu Over Failed Two-week Power Promise by reddingtonblack: 12:09pm On Apr 12
Lithiumite:
There has been some improvement in my area in lagos for over 2 weeks now,there is power as I speak now.....ifako ijaiye, lagos.
If you stumble upon your comment will it surprise you. Even b4 the minister came out to apologize you wont gree light was bad, everything is always perfect in your own area
If i ask, i wont be shocked if fuel price is your own area is #300 per litre ...continue Tinubu 1st son

Re: Where’s The Light? - Nigerians Knock Adelabu Over Failed Two-week Power Promise by OredoPikin2:
Lithiumite:
Do you love in my area,do you know the reasons why sone places would have better electricity supply than some......opposition isn't criticism all the time, if you can repudiate when the system failed, its only morally appropriate to acknowledge any improvement no matter how little.......i have not in anyway given the power minister or tinubu any pass mark.
When the light was epileptic, it was same u that said it didn't affect your area that u used to have 23.5 hours a day.

Stop lying to yourself
Honestly, it does you no good
Re: Where’s The Light? - Nigerians Knock Adelabu Over Failed Two-week Power Promise by hegelian: 12:31pm On Apr 12
Lithiumite:
Show me one single time you have criticised obi,just one then you would be worth the attention!!
Show me one single post where I have defended him.. I don't defend politicians, I hold them accountable
Re: Where’s The Light? - Nigerians Knock Adelabu Over Failed Two-week Power Promise by AlphaTaikun: 12:35pm On Apr 12
Reference:
Yes, states can do so. Individuals can also do so. But responsibility still lies with the Federal government to envision and fashion models that are practicable.

Just like oil and gas. Anyone can invest in it but at the end of the day they operate under a Federal government that has to lead. I have not seen the Federal government set targets, set framework or standards for states.


I think Rivers state is the only state in Nigeria where there are two distinct distribution grids. Folks there can choose to connect to what they call the 'Federal line' or the other (state), with the 'Federal' line being more qualitative as I understand.

The fact that it is called Federal line and the truth that transmission still bears federal footprint shows that power is till their baby.

Well if Aso Rock has bailed from the National grid that is their business but it doesn't show leadership. Is it encouraging individualism or what. They said they have a program to extend it to all government properties and infrastructure. Is this responsibility. What about those who cannot afford green energy to power their homes and businesses....
Indeed... I truly enjoyed the intellectual and creative convo and insights we both exchanged on this thread. I've been a member of this discussion forum since 2005 (21 years now) with my other older moniker which I still use and It's impressive to come in contact from time to time with deep minds such as yours who give specific and simplified solutions to societal challenges instead of the usual rants and cursings some of these younger posters and secessionist trolls brought to NL from 2013/2014.

Enjoy the rest of your day.
Re: Where’s The Light? - Nigerians Knock Adelabu Over Failed Two-week Power Promise by tunde1200(m): 12:35pm On Apr 12
This Adelabu is very useless and sick
Re: Where’s The Light? - Nigerians Knock Adelabu Over Failed Two-week Power Promise by Neoteny(m): 12:40pm On Apr 12
If things are set to improve and the government is credible and believes in its own solution, then the inevitable question follows: why is Aso Rock going completely solar?
Re: Where’s The Light? - Nigerians Knock Adelabu Over Failed Two-week Power Promise by Omalicious1: 12:44pm On Apr 12
Ofunaofu:
Where is the light? Nigerians knock Adelabu as two weeks’ promise on electricity fails

•Why N3.3trn won’t give you power supply — Experts

…Cite failed promises, disagreement over size of debt


Two weeks after Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, assured citizens of imminent relief from persistent outages, a cross-country check suggests that for many households and businesses, the reality has barely changed.


This came as recent announcement by President Bola Tinubu of the approval of N3.3 trillion for the settlement of outstanding debt in the nation’s power sector has been received with mixed feelings.

While some experts believe the statement in its entirety, others question its authenticity, describing it as a recurring narrative that has become a trend.

Adelabu had, on March 24, while addressing the media in Abuja, publicly apologised for the wave of blackouts that swept across the country, admitting that the situation had worsened living conditions at a time of intense heat.

He acknowledged the strain on homes, schools and industries, attributing the disruption largely to gas supply constraints and technical issues beyond the government’s immediate control.

“I want to apologise to Nigerians… for this temporary issue that is leading to hardship being experienced,” the Minister said, while promising that “two weeks from now, we should start seeing improvements in supply.”

That deadline expired on Friday.

But from Abuja to Lagos, and across several states, many Nigerians say the promised improvement has yet to materialise.

Worsening situation

In Utako, a district in Abuja, residents described a pattern of prolonged outages and brief, inconsistent supply.

Ekwa Mbuk, one of the affected residents, expressed frustration over what he called a worsening situation.

“So why are we at Utako District subjected to darkness for another night? The heat is sickening. This constant power outage is messing up the quality of life of your customers. Do you care? Please give us light,” he said, in a complaint directed at the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company.

He added that the power supply in the area had been erratic, with entire days passing without electricity, followed by only a short period of restoration.

“Since last night, no light… we’ve had only an hour of light. Are we getting what we’re paying for?” he asked.

Classifications

Similar sentiments echoed in Lagos, where Iyke Oscar questioned the rationale behind tariff classifications that promised extended supply.

“Why are we still paying as Band A, if we can’t have light up to 24 hours?” he asked, pointing to the growing disconnect between billing structures and actual service delivery.

Familiar pattern

Across the states, the accounts follow a familiar pattern.

In Delta, Abednego Emonena dismissed the situation bluntly: “Electricity in Nigeria is still a joke.”

In Ondo, Akin Muyiwa said residents in Akure had all but given up on the expectation of stable supply. “We don’t know what’s called electricity,” he remarked.


From Imo, Mary Blossom reported that parts of Owerri had experienced a near-total blackout for weeks. “For the past four weeks, no light,” she said.

In Edo State, Diana Efe described outages stretching into days. “This is the fifth day we haven’t seen electricity since rain fell,” she noted, while another resident, Aino, said communities were left with barely two hours of supply daily.

Elsewhere, the frustration is tinged with resignation. In Ekiti, Mr. Awo Adekunle summed it up: “No light, we just dey pay bill.”

Cynthia in Ogun State pointed to a pattern tied to weather conditions. “Once rain falls, no light for the next 12 hours, sometimes 24 hours,” she said, suggesting that infrastructure fragility continues to worsen outages.

For some, the situation has become almost surreal.


Abolanle Ajirowo wondered aloud whether official assurances referred to a different reality. “Maybe there’s another Nigeria we don’t know about,” she said.

Structural problem

Behind these reactions lies a deeper structural problem. Nigeria’s electricity generation has continued to hover around 4,000 megawatts, far below what is required for a population of over 200 million. Per capita electricity consumption remains between 144 and 165 kilowatt-hours, according to data from the International Energy Agency, placing the country well below the African average of 617 kWh.

The implications are visible in daily life. With grid supply unreliable, households and businesses are forced to rely on alternatives such as generators, inverters and solar systems. These come at significant cost, effectively creating a parallel, self-funded energy system.

Power bank rental

“Electricity remains unreliable, forcing people to depend on generators, inverters, or solar setups,” said Obinna Eze. “So you pay for electricity, even when it’s not consistent.”

In a sign of how deeply the crisis has reshaped everyday economics, new micro-businesses have emerged to fill the gap.

Power bank rentals, for instance, are now available in parts of Kaduna, Sokoto, Kano, Plateau, Niger, Nasarawa, Delta, Edo, Anambra, Imo and Lagos, offering temporary relief for phone charging and small devices at daily or weekly rates.

For now, the Federal Government maintains that improvements are on the way, tied to the repair of critical gas infrastructure and enforcement of supply obligations among producers.

Adelabu had expressed confidence that restored gas flow, particularly from facilities linked to major operators, would stabilise generation.
O
Yet, as the deadline he set passed without clear nationwide improvement, public patience appears to be thinning.

What remains is a familiar cycle of promise and delay, with millions of Nigerians still waiting, often in the dark, for a power sector turnaround that has long been anticipated but remains elusive.

Experts speak on N3.3trillion for power sector

Meanwhile, the announcement by Tinubu of the approval of N3.3 trillion for the settlement of outstanding debt in the power sector has been received with mixed feelings.

While some experts believe the statement in its entirety, others question its authenticity, describing it as a recurring narrative that has become a trend.

Sunday Vanguard findings reveal that prior to the latest declaration by the President, Adelabu, the Minister of Power, had announced the disbursement of the same amount in 2024, while the Debt Management Office (DMO) had already securitised about N4.5 trillion for the settlement of the same power sector debt.

Thus, some analysts view statements from the Presidency as mere sound bites aimed at scoring political points at the expense of Nigerian citizens, their businesses, and the economy at large.

While Nigerians suffer epileptic power supply, an estimated N40 trillion is lost annually due to poor electricity supply.

The Nigerian Independent System Operator, an agency of the Federal Government, had, a couple of weeks ago in a report, stated that persistent outages continue to impose high costs on businesses and households, many of which are forced to generate their own electricity.

According to the report, reliable electricity remains one of Nigeria’s most important economic priorities, stressing that power outages cost the country up to $29 billion annually.

Converted at the prevailing exchange rate of N1,385 to a dollar, this translates to roughly N40.1 trillion in yearly losses to the economy.

The operator added that the burden extends across all sectors, noting that businesses, manufacturers, and households spend billions each year generating their own electricity.

The shortfall in supply has continued to deepen electricity shortages, pushing homes and businesses to rely increasingly on alternative energy sources amid rising operating costs and harsh weather conditions.

The trajectories

Adelabu, on March 29, 2024, was quoted as saying on his Facebook page: “During my recent visit to the Egbin Power Plant, I reiterated that we have conducted a thorough diagnosis of the challenges currently facing our power sector in Nigeria. These challenges range from infrastructure limitations to supply chain constraints, and we are taking urgent action to address them and enhance power supply across the country.

“To this end, the Federal Government is fully committed to implementing proactive measures. Starting in April, we will prioritise the settlement of outstanding debts owed to power plants like Egbin Power. By doing so, our goal is to provide incentives for the continuous operation of these crucial facilities and to enhance their overall efficiency.”

Also, on October 7, 2025, the Minister was quoted as saying, “To stabilise the market, Mr. President has approved a N4 trillion bond to clear verified GenCo and gas supply debts.”

However, the Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme follows Tinubu’s approval of a N3.3 trillion payment plan to settle legacy debts accumulated between February 2015 and March 2025.

According to a release last Sunday, implementation has begun, with 15 power plants signing settlement agreements totalling N2.3 trillion.

The Federal Government said it had already raised N501 billion to fund these payments.

Of the amount, N223 billion was said to have been disbursed, with further payments underway.

Stakeholders, in the meantime, have questioned whether earlier approvals were effectively implemented or merely political statements, noting that three years down the line, no significant actions have been taken, while records of grid collapses continue to plague the country’s national grid.

Presidency report

A document tagged, ‘A Financial Reset for Nigeria’s Power Sector: The Presidential Financial Reforms Programme (2015-2026) – a chronological overview of efforts to resolve the power sector’s liquidity crisis and transition to a sustainable market-based framework,’ shows the origins of the N4.7 trillion debt, outlining a decade of tariff shortfalls, liquidity constraints, and structural inefficiencies which led to massive outstanding obligations across the power value chain.

It states: “The vicious cycle of liquidity shortfall—unpaid debts to GENCOs leading to arrears for gas suppliers—has constrained generation and rendered the sector non-bankable, culminating in a N4.7 trillion deficit.”

It notes that in 2024–2025, despite the N4.7 trillion claimed by GENCOs, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) established a N4 trillion cap, stating: “The FEC approved a settlement framework with a prudential ceiling of N4 trillion to ensure fiscal discipline.”

However, on its verification and negotiated settlement deal, the report said: “N3.3 trillion: The final negotiated figure, after rigorous verification, reduced the initial N4.7 trillion claim by 30 per cent through the removal of inflated, unsupported, or non-compliant charges.

“The market-based settlement mechanism includes cost-reflective tariffs, accelerated metering, and improved operational efficiency to prevent future debt accumulation.”

GENCOs reality, denial

While some GENCOs expressed confidence in the programme, others argued otherwise, noting that past experiences may have eroded trust in the system.

Speaking on the development and the impact of the N3.3 trillion on the power sector, Executive Director of the Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC), Dr. Joy Ogaji, said: “We only have it on paper.

“Yes, N3.3 trillion is what the government said it has approved, but we do not have details of what it covers or whether it includes the period from 2015 to 2024.

“The news we all have is political. Claims that it is up to date are questionable because reconciliation of invoices from 2015 to March 2025 has not been completed.

“The invoice for March 2025 was not included, and possibly February 2025 was also excluded due to the 45-day billing cycle.”

On solutions, another operator who spoke anonymously said: “Power sector issues need to be categorised.

“Yes, this is a pre-election period, so it is easy for the government to push liquidity solutions for compiled debts.

“But we must not deny that the debt claimed by GENCOs exists.

“All contractual terms, including interest on delayed payments, must be honoured.

“The GENCOs took loans when the exchange rate was about N155 to the dollar, but today it is over N1, 300. Who bears the difference?”

The source also pointed to a lack of transparency in billing and collection systems, calling for reforms and stronger oversight.

Others see things differently

Another source said: “I believe the government is sincere. The money will be paid, and fidelity to contracts is important. Government-imposed haircuts should not become the norm.”

Also reacting, energy economist and Executive Director, Emmanuel Egbigah Foundation, Prof. Wumi Iledare, said: “The power sector is not just underperforming—it is financially strained.

“Over N4 trillion in legacy debt continues to choke the entire value chain.

“What’s worse is that past solutions have been mostly stopgaps, addressing liquidity issues without fixing structural problems.


“At the core are non-cost-reflective tariffs, weak contract enforcement, and poor institutional coordination.

“The result is a cycle of debt recycling, not resolution.”

Electricity becoming a campaign issue – CPPE

For his part, Dr. Muda Yusuf, Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), said: “This is a pre-election period, and electricity is becoming a campaign issue. The government will likely make strong efforts to fulfill its promises.

“However, unless structural challenges are addressed, the sector may relapse. The key is ensuring the sector generates its own liquidity and attracts capable investors. Tariff reform is inevitable, though it must be gradual to avoid undue hardship.”

A step in the right direction – Independent Power

However, reacting, Managing Director of First Independent Power Limited, Mr. Seyi Sobogun, described the development as a critical step toward restoring stability.

“We welcome the progress made so far. Addressing legacy debts is crucial to improving system performance,” he said.

He noted that the N501 billion bond issuance, which was fully subscribed, reflects growing market confidence.

“We remain committed to working with stakeholders to strengthen the sector and improve electricity supply nationwide,” he added

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/04/where-is-the-light-nigerians-knock-adelabu-as-two-weeks-promise-on-electricity-fails/?
So people really believed this man? I'm amazed.
Re: Where’s The Light? - Nigerians Knock Adelabu Over Failed Two-week Power Promise by Mattswaggz: 1:30pm On Apr 12
Lithiumite:
That doesn't negate the fact there has been improvement in my area and my life over the past 2 weeks.......if you don't have electricity, thats your problem.
Typical Nijerian.....selfish and cruel.

Provided the stone wouldn't fall on ya head let it fall on whomsoever it want to head abi....bear in mind though that posterity will judge you and what goes around will come around.
Re: Where’s The Light? - Nigerians Knock Adelabu Over Failed Two-week Power Promise by Osiris12: 3:02pm On Apr 12
Lithiumite:
That doesn't negate the fact there has been improvement in my area and my life over the past 2 weeks.......if you don't have electricity, thats your problem.
I believe this is ifako ijaiye

Re: Where’s The Light? - Nigerians Knock Adelabu Over Failed Two-week Power Promise by mmsen: 3:53pm On Apr 12
Berankis:
The President said go and use Solar but you people are still looking for Nepal light.
Nigerians no dey too like truth.
So on top of paying nepa bill and gen fuel they should also pay for inverter and solar panels?


What is the point of government? Somebody remind me.
Re: Where’s The Light? - Nigerians Knock Adelabu Over Failed Two-week Power Promise by Lithiumite: 5:00pm On Apr 12
Osiris12:
I believe this is ifako ijaiye
I believe they pay less than you do for electricity and it took them just 3 years to achieve optimal level in electricity supply?
Re: Where’s The Light? - Nigerians Knock Adelabu Over Failed Two-week Power Promise by Osiris12: 5:36pm On Apr 12
Lithiumite:
I believe they pay less than you do for electricity and it took them just 3 years to achieve optimal level in electricity supply?
I also believe your principal said this statement

Re: Where’s The Light? - Nigerians Knock Adelabu Over Failed Two-week Power Promise by Berankis: 5:44pm On Apr 12
mmsen:
So on top of paying nepa bill and gen fuel they should also pay for inverter and solar panels?


What is the point of government? Somebody remind me.
This particular Government has proven to be the most useless we have ever had but unfortunately, they are still in office and still dictating what happens.
He promised us electricity but stylishly marketed Solar light to us. How man go do..?
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