Minister outlines recovery plan as outages disrupt businesses, schools, and industries nationwide
By A1 News International
Abuja, Nigeria — March 25, 2026
Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has apologised to citizens over persistent power outages, attributing the crisis to gas supply shortfalls affecting electricity generation.
Speaking in Abuja, the minister acknowledged the widespread impact on households and the economy, while assuring that corrective measures are underway to stabilise supply in the coming days.
Adelabu said Nigerians have endured weeks of reduced electricity supply due to a drop in generation capacity, driven largely by inadequate gas supply to power plants.
He explained that generation companies are struggling with limited gas availability, worsened by mounting debts owed to suppliers and ongoing infrastructure constraints.
“These issues collectively impact both the quantity and quality of gas delivered to power plants, leading to underutilisation of installed capacity and increased outages,” the minister stated.
He added that external factors, including geopolitical tensions such as the Middle East conflict, could further strain supply chains and energy costs.
The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Power Nigeria, said it is implementing measures to stabilise electricity generation and improve service delivery.
Adelabu described the current situation as temporary but admitted its severe consequences on businesses, schools, and industrial operations.
“It is not our wish to find ourselves in this situation, but it is due to factors beyond our control,” he said, while offering an official apology to Nigerians.
Path to Recovery: Renewables and Grid Reform
As part of a long-term solution, the minister emphasised the need to diversify Nigeria’s energy mix by scaling up renewable energy sources.
He proposed increased investment in off-grid and mini-grid systems, as well as the integration of utility-scale solar and hydro power into the national grid.
According to him, expanding renewable energy will reduce dependence on gas-fired plants, lower generation costs, and improve energy security.
He also highlighted the need for investments in grid monitoring systems and infrastructure upgrades to ensure stability and manage supply fluctuations.
Political Undercurrent
On speculations about a potential bid for the Oyo State governorship in 2027, Adelabu declined to make a definitive statement.
He noted that he remains focused on his current responsibilities, despite a directive by President Bola Tinubu requiring political appointees with electoral ambitions to resign by March 31.
The minister stated that his priority remains service at both national and subnational levels.
Nigeria’s power sector remains a critical bottleneck for economic growth, with persistent outages undermining productivity and investor confidence. The reliance on gas-fired plants exposes the system to supply shocks, while weak infrastructure and liquidity constraints continue to limit capacity utilisation.
For citizens and businesses, the government’s ability to stabilise electricity supply will directly influence living standards, cost of doing business, and broader economic recovery.
The development raises fresh concerns about accountability and oversight in Nigeria’s public institutions.
![Nigerian military prepares to cordon the area where a man was killed by suspected rebel fighters during an attack around the Polo area of Maiduguri, Nigeria, in 2019 [File: Afolabi Sotunde/Reuters]](https://a1news.com.ng/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Nigeria-military-on-patrol.webp)
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