Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu Issues Formal Apology and Sets Two Week Deadline for Electricity Supply Restoration

Power Minister Adelabu apologizes for blackouts and sets a 2-week deadline for grid recovery. Learn how N501bn in bonds will help reach 6,000MW by late 2026.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 25, 2026, 5:44 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from LEADERSHIP

A National Apology Amid Record Heatwaves

The Nigerian government has issued a rare formal apology to citizens currently enduring a prolonged period of energy scarcity during one of the hottest seasons of the year. Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, speaking in Abuja, acknowledged the severe hardship that frequent blackouts have imposed on households, educational institutions, and industrial operations. According to the Minister, the current decline in service was not intentional but resulted from a convergence of systemic failures and external economic pressures. Adelabu emphasized that the Ministry is working continuously to reverse the current trend and return the national grid to the improved performance levels observed by the public throughout 2025.

Financial Constraints and the Gas Supply Deficit

The root of the current energy crisis lies in a massive financial bottleneck involving N6 trillion in accumulated sectoral debts that have hindered the consistent flow of fuel to thermal power stations. Adelabu explained that gas shortages have been exacerbated by international market dynamics, specifically export pressures driven by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. These external factors have tempted domestic gas producers to prioritize international buyers over local power plants. To address this liquidity crisis, the government has announced the disbursement of a N501 billion bond aimed at reviving generation capacity and settling outstanding obligations to fuel suppliers.

Technical Interventions and Pipeline Recovery

Beyond financial hurdles, the restoration of the power supply depends on the successful completion of critical infrastructure repairs across the nation’s gas transit network. The Ministry has identified specific facilities operated by Seplat Energy as vital to the recovery effort, with technicians currently working to restore full functionality to these pipelines. A dedicated committee has been established to monitor these repairs and ensure that gas producers adhere to their domestic supply obligations. According to Adelabu, the government now has clear projections for when these technical fixes will be finalized, allowing for a more stable flow of energy to the national distribution network.