The Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, has reassured Nigerians that efforts are underway to restore electricity supply following a temporary shortfall in power generation caused by an explosion on the Escravos–Lagos Gas Pipeline (ELP).

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Mr. Bolaji Tunji, the minister explained that the disruption was primarily due to the explosion and vandalism on critical gas infrastructure, which had disrupted gas supply to several thermal power plants across the country.

Adelabu made the assurance during a meeting with key stakeholders in the power sector, including representatives from the Nigeria Independent System Operator (NISO), Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Power Generation Companies (GenCos), and Power Distribution Companies (DisCos). According to the minister, repairs to the vandalized pipelines are expected to be completed within 24 to 48 hours, allowing for the resumption of gas supply and the restoration of electricity generation.

The power minister acknowledged the inconvenience caused to households and businesses, particularly during the holiday season, and emphasized that the disruption was temporary. He assured the public that the situation was being handled with the utmost urgency and would be resolved promptly.

The NISO, in its own statement, confirmed that the pipeline explosion significantly reduced electricity generation nationwide, impacting several gas-fired power stations. However, NISO also received assurances from the Nigerian Gas Processing and Transportation Company (NGPTC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), that restoration work on the gas pipeline was nearing completion.

Adelabu also highlighted that the gas shortage was caused by acts of vandalism and an explosion on the gas pipeline in the Niger Delta region, which severely affected the volume of gas available to power critical electricity plants. He said that the federal government is committed to resolving the issue swiftly and ensuring that power generation returns to normal levels within the next 24 to 48 hours.

While the immediate focus is on restoring power supply, Adelabu also emphasized the need for long-term measures to strengthen Nigeria’s energy infrastructure. He highlighted ongoing efforts to diversify the nation’s energy mix, enhance the resilience of the national grid, and deploy advanced surveillance technologies to protect critical infrastructure.

The minister appealed to Nigerians for patience and urged communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities around power and gas facilities. He reiterated the President Bola Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to delivering stable, reliable, and sustainable electricity to power homes, industries, and the economy.