In a significant stride for the nation’s beleaguered power sector, Nigeria has achieved a new peak power generation of 5,543.20 megawatts (MW), marking a pivotal moment in the quest for reliable electricity. Simultaneously, the Federal Government has unveiled ambitious plans to elevate the majority of electricity consumers to Band A, guaranteeing a minimum of 20 hours of daily supply. This dual announcement signals a potential turning point in Nigeria’s long-standing energy challenges.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) confirmed the record-breaking achievement, stating that the new peak was reached on Friday, February 14, 2025, at 11:00 PM. This milestone surpasses the previous day’s record of 5,478.73MW, highlighting a rapid and encouraging upward trend. “The Transmission Company of Nigeria is pleased to announce that the Nigerian Power Sector achieved a new peak generation of 5,543.20MW for the year 2025,” the TCN statement declared, underscoring the significance of this accomplishment.
Beyond peak generation, TCN also reported a record-breaking maximum daily energy distribution of 125,159.48MWH, exceeding the previous record by a substantial margin. This achievement demonstrates not only increased generation capacity but also improved transmission efficiency, crucial for delivering power to consumers.
However, the raw numbers tell only part of the story. For countless Nigerians, the persistent struggle with unreliable electricity has profoundly impacted daily life, hindering economic activity and disrupting essential services. Imagine the frustration of small business owners whose operations are constantly interrupted by power outages, or the strain on households struggling to maintain basic comfort. This is the human element that underscores the urgency of these developments.
Read Also: Electricity Subsidy Persists Despite Epileptic Power Supply
Adding to the optimism, Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Energy, outlined the government’s vision to significantly expand the number of consumers enjoying Band A service. “The goal is that most customers in Nigeria become Band A customers, that is, they get over 20 hours of service,” Verheijen stated in an interview with Arise News. This ambitious plan aims to energise underserved and unserved communities, fostering economic growth and improving quality of life.
Verheijen also highlighted the importance of metering and improved cash flow within the sector. “We are planning to ensure that all customers are metered to know their consumption and improve cash flow to drive investments,” she explained. This focus on metering is crucial for ensuring accurate billing and fostering transparency, which is essential for building trust between consumers and distribution companies (DisCos).
Read Also: Nigeria to Hike Electricity Tariffs: A Necessary Evil?
However, challenges remain. Verheijen pointed out the illiquidity in the power sector, where gas companies struggle to recover funds from power generation companies. “We need to diversify the uses of our gas. But you can’t diversify if the cash flows don’t work,” she emphasised. The legacy of the power sector’s privatisation, which she noted “did not go through the rigorous exercise that could ensure that the people who bought the assets had the financial and technical capacity to make the investments that were required to drive reliability,” also presents ongoing obstacles.
Looking ahead, the success of these initiatives will depend on sustained investment, effective policy implementation, and addressing the systemic challenges that have plagued the sector for years. If the government can successfully navigate these hurdles, the promise of reliable electricity for the majority of Nigerians may finally be within reach.
