FG Orders Power Surge: Grid Must Hit 8,500MW in 12 Months
In a bold directive to tackle Nigeria’s persistent power woes, the Federal Government has ordered the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) to boost electricity supply on the national grid to between 7,500 and 8,500 megawatts within the next year.
This charge was handed down by the Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr Ayodeji Gbeleyi, during a retreat organised for the management of NISO in Abuja. He said the country currently has the capacity to generate over 13,000MW, with about 8,000MW available, yet the grid manages to deliver only 5,500MW due to inefficiencies in transmission and distribution.
Gbeleyi noted that the target is not only achievable but necessary to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s power infrastructure. He emphasised the need for robust grid management, enhanced investment, and sustained technical reforms across the sector.
The government’s push is further supported by a recent $500 million loan secured from the World Bank to expand distribution capacity and provide 3.2 million smart meters nationwide. This aligns with the Presidential Metering Initiative, which aims to bridge Nigeria’s metering gap with the deployment of over seven million meters.
The Managing Director of NISO, Mr Abdu Bello Mohammed, expressed optimism, saying the new target can be met through effective coordination, private sector collaboration, and accelerated implementation of key infrastructure such as SCADA systems, expected to go live by 2026.
Also speaking at the retreat, Chairman of NISO’s Board, Dr Adesegun Akin-Olugbade, said the leadership retreat signals a shift towards a new era of professionalism, neutrality, and transparency in grid operations.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) also threw its weight behind the initiative, noting that trust in the national grid is being gradually restored, with former stakeholders now showing renewed interest in reconnecting with the system.