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From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, to engage northern state governments and secure their participation in the development of the Mambila Hydropower Project, which is expected to generate about 3,000 megawatts of electricity.
The President also asked the minister to engage Chinese companies that have expressed interest in the project, with possible financing from China Exim Bank in partnership with Sinohydro.
Tegbe said the move was part of the Federal Government’s broader plan to increase electricity generation, expand transmission infrastructure and improve power supply across the country.
Speaking during a television interview yesterday, the minister said Nigerians could begin to enjoy more stable electricity within the next three to five years, provided ongoing investments and reforms were sustained.
He explained that the government was looking beyond the long-standing 10,000MW generation target, with several projects in the pipeline that could raise the country’s electricity generation capacity to about 20,000MW.
The minister also disclosed that the government was working to develop small hydropower projects across the country, adding that a policy to guide their development was nearing completion.
According to him, 21 dams along the proposed Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway have been identified for possible hydropower development.
He said President Tinubu had approved plans to develop the dams, while discussions were ongoing with potential investors.
“These initiatives are expected to broaden Nigeria’s generation options and create opportunities for additional electricity supply to support economic activities across different regions,” Tegbe said.
On the Electricity Act 2023, the minister said the law had opened up the power sector to state governments and private investors, allowing them to develop electricity markets and projects suited to their needs.
He explained that states could now invest in mini-grids, gas-fired power plants and independent electricity markets to complement the national grid and improve access to electricity.
Tegbe added that greater private sector involvement in electricity transmission and distribution would help attract the funds and technical expertise needed to modernise the sector.
He warned that Nigeria’s electricity needs would rise significantly as its population and industries expand, while the growing use of artificial intelligence, data centres and remote working would put additional pressure on power supply.
He said the government was therefore focused on repairing the existing national grid and making better use of available power generation while building new infrastructure to meet future demand.
The minister acknowledged that major electricity projects take time to complete, noting that some require between three and five years before they can begin delivering results.
“Give me a time horizon of three to five years, and Nigeria will enjoy stable electricity,” he said.
He expressed confidence that improved coordination, infrastructure development and increased private investment would put the country on the path to reliable electricity supply.
Tegbe stressed that the government’s goal was not merely to increase electricity generation figures but to build a system capable of providing dependable power to homes, businesses and industries.
