Federal Government Targets Generation of 6,000 Megawatts Power Before 2025, Says Minister

Federal Government Targets Generation of 6,000 Megawatts Power Before 2025, Says Minister

The Federal Government of Nigeria has set an ambitious target to generate 6,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity before the end of 2025, according to a statement made by the Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu. This announcement was made during a press briefing held in Abuja, where the Minister outlined the government’s strategic plan to enhance the country’s power supply and drive economic growth.

The Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu, emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the long-standing challenges in Nigeria’s power sector. He stated that the target to achieve 6,000 MW of electricity generation is a crucial part of the broader plan to revitalize the energy sector and provide reliable power to homes and industries across the nation.

“We recognize the critical role that a stable and efficient power supply plays in the socio-economic development of our country,” said Minister Aliyu. “The target of 6,000 megawatts by 2025 is not just a number; it represents our commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian has access to reliable and affordable electricity.”

Minister Aliyu explained that the government’s strategy involves a multifaceted approach that includes upgrading existing power infrastructure, exploring renewable energy sources, and fostering partnerships with the private sector. The goal is to create a sustainable and resilient energy system that can meet the growing demand for electricity in Nigeria.

One of the key components of the government’s plan is the modernization and expansion of Nigeria’s power infrastructure. Minister Aliyu noted that many of the country’s power plants and transmission lines are outdated and require significant investment to improve their efficiency and capacity.

To address this, the government has allocated substantial funds for the rehabilitation and upgrade of power plants, as well as the construction of new transmission lines and substations. These projects are expected to increase the overall capacity of the national grid and reduce the frequency of power outages that have plagued the country for years.

“We are working closely with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and other stakeholders to ensure that these projects are completed on time and within budget,” said Minister Aliyu. “Our focus is on delivering results that will have a tangible impact on the lives of Nigerians.”

In addition to upgrading traditional power infrastructure, the Federal Government is also prioritizing the development of renewable energy sources as part of its strategy to achieve the 6,000 MW target. Minister Aliyu highlighted the importance of diversifying Nigeria’s energy mix to include solar, wind, and hydropower as key components of the country’s energy future.

The Minister announced several new initiatives aimed at harnessing Nigeria’s vast renewable energy potential. These include the expansion of solar power projects in rural areas, the development of wind farms in coastal regions, and the construction of small and medium-sized hydroelectric plants in strategic locations.

“Our renewable energy initiatives are designed to complement our existing power generation efforts,” Minister Aliyu explained. “By leveraging Nigeria’s natural resources, we can create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy system that will benefit future generations.”

Recognizing the limitations of government funding, Minister Aliyu emphasized the importance of private sector involvement in achieving the 6,000 MW target. The government is actively seeking partnerships with domestic and international investors to finance and operate new power projects.

The Minister noted that the Federal Government has introduced several policy reforms aimed at making the power sector more attractive to private investors. These include regulatory adjustments, tax incentives, and guarantees to reduce investment risks.

“We are committed to creating an enabling environment for private sector participation in the power sector,” said Minister Aliyu. “By working together with our partners in the private sector, we can achieve our goals and ensure that Nigeria has a reliable and modern energy system.”

Minister Aliyu acknowledged the challenges that have historically hampered progress in Nigeria’s power sector, including inadequate funding, technical inefficiencies, and regulatory hurdles. However, he expressed confidence that the government’s comprehensive strategy would overcome these obstacles.

He cited recent successes in improving electricity distribution and reducing technical losses as evidence that the government’s approach is already yielding positive results. The Minister also mentioned ongoing efforts to address issues related to gas supply for thermal power plants, which has been a significant constraint on power generation.

“We are fully aware of the challenges, but we are equally determined to address them head-on,” Minister Aliyu stated. “Our focus is on delivering measurable results that will make a real difference in the lives of Nigerians.”

The Federal Government’s target of generating 6,000 megawatts of electricity before 2025 marks a significant step forward in Nigeria’s quest for energy security and economic development. Under the leadership of Minister Abubakar Aliyu, the government is implementing a comprehensive and strategic plan that includes infrastructure upgrades, renewable energy development, and private sector partnerships.

As the country continues to address its power challenges, the Federal Government remains committed to ensuring that Nigeria’s energy future is bright, sustainable, and inclusive. The 6,000 MW target is an ambitious but achievable goal that will lay the foundation for a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.