Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, says the country needs around $10 billion each year for the next 10 to 20 years to permanently fix its power supply problems.
He described the task as tough but necessary and said Nigeria can achieve steady and reliable electricity with continuous investment, strong policies, and long-term planning.
Speaking at the commissioning of a 600kW solar PV power plant at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna, Adelabu expressed optimism that through sustained investment, policy reforms, and strategic planning, Nigeria can achieve stable and sustainable electricity supply.
“For us to achieve functional, reliable, and stable electricity in Nigeria, we need not less than $10 billion annually for the next 10 to 20 years,” Adelabu said. “But for this investment to be meaningful, foundational bottlenecks that plagued the sector in the past must first be addressed.”
He cited the passage of the Energy Act as a key legislative reform that has decentralised the power sector, enabling federal, state, and local governments to actively participate in electricity generation, transmission, distribution, and metering. According to him, over 11 states have already embraced the autonomy granted by the Act, with more expected to follow.
Adelabu also highlighted Nigeria’s ageing infrastructure and over 60 years of neglect in the power grid as critical areas requiring urgent attention. He noted that the Federal Government was working to bridge the country’s 50 per cent metering gap through a presidential initiative targeting the installation of 18 million meters over five years.
On the newly commissioned solar power facilities, the Minister said the 600kW and forthcoming 3MW solar PV power plants at the NDA demonstrate the administration’s commitment to clean, reliable energy access for key national institutions.
“These projects reflect our broader mandate to diversify energy sources, expand access to electricity, and support national development in sectors like education and security,” Adelabu said.
He emphasised the strategic role of the Nigerian Defence Academy as a national asset that combines academic and military excellence and must be supported with sustainable infrastructure.
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The Minister also praised the Nigerian military for its continued role in safeguarding critical electricity assets across the country, especially in light of increasing incidents of vandalism and attacks on power sector personnel.
He, however, expressed concern over recent tensions between security personnel and electricity workers, describing the incident involving Ikeja Electric and military personnel as regrettable.
“The power sector and the military are not on opposing sides; we are allies in national development. Our shared goal is a Nigeria where stable electricity supports growth, security, and prosperity,” Adelabu said.
In his remarks, the NDA Commandant, Major General Abdul Ibrahim, commended the Ministry of Power for the initiative and pledged continued collaboration to ensure the success of the sector’s interventions.
