Susan Abayomi
The Federal Government has unveiled plans to increase Nigeria’s electricity generation capacity to 20,000 megawatts as part of efforts to achieve stable power supply and support economic growth.
The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, disclosed this during a television interview on TVC, where he outlined the administration’s long-term plans to transform the power sector through increased generation, improved transmission infrastructure, renewable energy development and greater private sector investment.
Tegbe expressed optimism that Nigerians would begin to experience more stable electricity within the next three to five years, noting that addressing the country’s longstanding power challenges would require sustained investment and coordinated efforts.
He explained that the government was moving beyond the traditional 10,000MW target, with several projects in the pipeline capable of raising generation capacity towards 20,000MW.
According to him, the government is engaging private investors and development partners to achieve the target, adding that industrialist Aliko Dangote had indicated his willingness to support the initiative.
A major part of the expansion plan is the Mambila Hydropower Project, which has an estimated generation potential of 3,000MW. The Minister said President Bola Tinubu had directed him to engage northern states to ensure their participation in the project.
He also revealed that Chinese companies had expressed interest in supporting the project, with possible financing from China Exim Bank in partnership with Sinohydro.
The government is equally considering the development of small hydropower facilities across the country, with a policy nearing completion. Tegbe disclosed that 21 dams along the proposed Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway had been identified for potential development, following presidential approval.
He added that discussions were already ongoing with prospective investors to advance the projects.
The Minister identified the Electricity Act 2023 as another major instrument for transforming the sector, explaining that it allows state governments and private investors to establish electricity solutions tailored to their needs, including mini-grids, gas-powered plants and independent electricity markets.
He noted that increased private sector involvement in transmission and distribution would also help attract the funding and technical expertise needed to modernise the electricity system.
Tegbe further highlighted the growing electricity demands associated with population growth, industrial development, artificial intelligence, data infrastructure and remote working, stressing the need to strengthen the country’s power infrastructure to accommodate future demands.
He said the government’s immediate focus remained on stabilising the national grid and maximising existing generation capacity while pursuing investments to expand electricity supply.
The Minister acknowledged that major power infrastructure projects could take between three and five years to complete but expressed confidence that ongoing reforms and investments would gradually improve electricity delivery.
“Give me a time horizon of three to five years, and Nigeria will enjoy stable electricity,” he said.
He reiterated that the administration’s ambition goes beyond increasing generation figures to building a reliable electricity system capable of supporting households, businesses, industries and Nigeria’s long-term economic development.
