– Targets universal energy access
Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Under the Presidential Metering Initiative, the federal government says it has committed N700 billion through the Federal Account Allocation Committee, FAAC, to procure over 10 million smart meters by 2030.
According to Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, a Special Purpose Vehicle has already been set up to oversee implementation.
Adelabu speaking recently at the 6th edition of the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing Series, noted that in addition, through the World Bank-funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme, 1.3 million meters will be procured and installed before the end of the year.
“In 2025, 1.1 million meters will be deployed, with a delivery target of 2 million annually from 2026 to 2030. We’re not just talking about power access, we’re delivering transparency and justice to consumers. No more estimated billing,” Adelabu declared.
He declared that the Federal Government was now on a “clear and irreversible path” to universal electricity access, citing unprecedented reforms, strategic investments, and new regulatory frameworks that are reshaping the nation’s energy landscape.
The Minister said the goal was to ensure that “no Nigerian is left behind” in the new national electrification agenda.
“We are building a system that works, a power sector that is people-centred, commercially viable, and future-ready. Our reforms are not cosmetic. They are structural, targeted and irreversible,” the Minister said.
The Minister also hailed the impact of the Electricity Act (Amendment) 2024, signed by President Bola Tinubu, which has transferred regulatory authority of the electricity market to 11 states.
“This is a game-changer. Subnational governments can now plan, regulate, and operate their own electricity markets. It means tailored solutions, regional independence and faster electrification,” he said.
He urged other states to quickly establish their electricity regulatory commissions and begin attracting private investment into local generation and distribution.
Adelabu further revealed that for the first time in the country’s history, Nigeria’s power generation crossed the 6,000 MW threshold on March 2nd, 2025, with the highest daily energy supply reaching 128,370 MWh two days later.
“This is not by accident. It’s the result of sustained reforms, investment in infrastructure, and deliberate action to close the generation-transmission gap,” he said.
“Average daily generation has grown by 40% since Q3 2023, from 4,100MW to 5,700MW in Q1 2025. The Minister also confirmed that efforts are underway to fully evacuate the 500MW from the Zungeru and Kashimbilla hydropower plants.
In a major development, Adelabu announced that the long-abandoned 215MW Kaduna Thermal Power Plant is now being fast-tracked for completion following a presidential directive. The project is scheduled to commence operations by December 2025.
“This plant has stayed idle for too long. President Tinubu has made it clear, no asset should lie fallow when millions of Nigerians are in darkness. Kaduna Thermal will go live this year,” Adelabu declared.
The Minister also warned electricity distribution companies, DisCos and generation companies, GenCos, against non-performance and consumer exploitation. He disclosed that over N600 million in fines have already been imposed on defaulting DisCos.
“We are not only ramping up supply and metering, we are protecting consumers. Any company that engages in overbilling or other forms of extortion will be sanctioned heavily. Nigerians must get value for every kobo they spend,” he said.
The Minister further revealed plans to partner with private developers to establish 100MW modular solar plants in each of the 19 northern states, in addition to an ongoing private-sector-led initiative to generate and transmit 1,000MW of solar power.
“The era of depending solely on the national grid is over. We are diversifying and decentralizing our energy sources. Renewables are at the heart of this transition,” Adelabu said.
The Minister noted that the government was also exploring hydro and wind power potential along the Lagos-Calabar and Sokoto-Badagry highway corridors.
