Power Sector Rescue: Federal Government Inaugurates Monitoring Committee to Resolve Gas Supply Crisis

Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu inaugurates a monitoring committee to tackle a $1.3bn gas debt and pipeline vandalism affecting Nigeria's electricity supply.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 13, 2026, 4:04 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Vanguard News.

Addressing the Critical Link in Nigeria’s Energy Chain

In a decisive effort to stabilize the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), the Federal Government has officially inaugurated a Gas-to-Power Monitoring Committee. Speaking at the ceremony in Abuja, Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu emphasized that gas supply remains the most significant constraint to reliable power. According to the minister, the initiative is a response to the drastic drop in generation observed earlier this year, when gas producers throttled supplies due to unpaid debts exceeding $1.3 billion.

A Multi-Stakeholder Task Force for Grid Stability

The newly formed committee brings together a broad coalition of stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Power, the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), and various generation companies (GenCos). This collaborative approach is intended to bridge the coordination gaps that have historically plagued the value chain. According to official statements, the committee’s mandate includes driving the resolution of commercial barriers and overseeing the technical maintenance of the aging pipeline network that feeds 80% of Nigeria’s power plants.

Combating Debt and Infrastructure Vandalism

One of the primary objectives of the task force is to create a sustainable mechanism for settling outstanding debts to gas producers. Minister Adelabu charged the members to provide data-driven recommendations that guarantee payment for gas deliveries, thereby preventing future supply disruptions. Beyond financial hurdles, the committee is also tasked with addressing the physical security of infrastructure, specifically focusing on the frequent repair and maintenance of pipelines damaged by vandalism in the Niger Delta and other regions.