Electricity: FG sets up committee to tackle gas to power challenge

By Obas Esiedesa

The Federal Government has inaugurated a Gas-to-Power Monitoring Committee to address persistent gas supply challenges affecting electricity generation in the country.

Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, described the initiative as a decisive step towards resolving one of the most critical constraints in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

In January, gas companies significantly reduced the volume of gas supplied to power generation companies over $1.3 billion debt which led to drastic drop in power generation to the national grid.

Adelabu, according to a statement by his media aide, Bolaji Tunji, noted that gas-fired power plants account for about 80 per cent of Nigeria’s electricity generation, but continue to face setbacks due to supply disruptions, pipeline vandalism, mounting debts to gas producers, and weak coordination across the value chain.

He said the move underscores the Federal Government’s determination to end the longstanding issues limiting generation capacity and undermining reliable electricity supply.

According to him, the committee was constituted following deliberations at the first quarter 2026 Ministerial Power Sector Working Group meeting, where key challenges such as infrastructure gaps, liquidity constraints, and pricing issues were identified.

The minister explained that the committee would monitor and drive the resolution of critical bottlenecks, including the repair and maintenance of damaged gas pipelines, settlement of outstanding debts to suppliers, and other commercial and operational barriers affecting gas availability to power plants.

Adelabu charged members of the committee to go beyond routine oversight and provide proactive, data-driven recommendations, particularly on mechanisms to guarantee payment for gas supplies and ensure sustainability in the sector.

He stressed that the committee would be held accountable for measurable progress, with expectations for regular reporting, clear milestones, and timely escalation of issues requiring government intervention.

The minister expressed confidence in the committee’s ability to deliver, noting that its membership reflects a broad representation of stakeholders across the gas-to-power value chain. The committee comprises representatives from the Ministry of Power, Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Association of Generation Companies, Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Nigerian Gas Association, and consumer advocacy groups.

Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power, Alhaji Mahmuda Mamman, represented by the Director of Distribution, said the inauguration aligns with the minister’s directive to urgently tackle challenges affecting gas supply to the power sector.

He identified infrastructure deficits, pipeline vandalism, liquidity constraints, and coordination gaps as major issues hindering electricity generation and impacting economic growth.

The Permanent Secretary emphasised that ensuring stable and reliable gas supply is critical to improving generation capacity, enhancing grid stability, and delivering better service to electricity consumers.

He added that the committee has been tasked with monitoring gas supply, overseeing infrastructure repairs, ensuring compliance with payment obligations, and providing actionable recommendations to guide policy and operations.

He urged members to discharge their responsibilities with diligence and urgency, expressing optimism that the committee would strengthen collaboration among stakeholders and deliver practical solutions for sustainable growth in the power sector.