Electricity generation capacity, reaching a three-year peak of 5,105 megawatts (MW) as of July 27, 2024.
This significant increase marks a pivotal moment for the nation’s power sector, but recent data reveals a concerning drop in output, highlighting ongoing challenges.
In a statement delivered during the inaugural meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Power Sector Working Group in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, announced the record-breaking achievement.
“Just a few days ago, on July 27, we successfully generated and transmitted 5,105MW of power, the highest in the last three years,” Adelabu said.
“This is a substantial improvement from our previous capacity of around 4,000MW.”
The minister expressed optimism about the progress made in the power sector and outlined ambitious targets for the future.
“Our goal is to reach a landmark generation and transmission capacity of 6,000MW by December 2024,” he added.
Despite the impressive record, recent data from Generation Companies (GenCos) indicates a significant drop in electricity generation.
As of August 5, 2024, Nigeria’s electricity output fell by 668.5MW from the peak of 5,105MW to 4,436.50MW. This decline raises concerns about the stability and reliability of the power supply.
The fluctuation in power generation has been attributed to several factors, including operational challenges within the sector and fluctuations in energy demand.
The recent decrease underscores the volatility that still affects Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure, despite the progress made.
Nigeria’s power sector has long struggled with issues related to capacity, reliability, and distribution. Historically plagued by frequent outages and inadequate infrastructure, the sector has been a focal point of government reforms and investments.
The recent achievement of generating over 5,000MW is a significant step forward but highlights the ongoing need for improvements.
The government’s efforts to enhance electricity generation are part of a broader strategy to address the country’s energy deficits. Initiatives such as the Power Sector Recovery Programme (PSRP) and investments in renewable energy sources aim to modernise the grid and increase capacity.
The target of 6,000MW by December reflects the administration’s commitment to achieving greater energy security and stability.
“The recent achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the power sector,” Adelabu noted.
“However, we must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the challenges that come with maintaining and expanding our power generation capabilities.”
