The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has said that the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu is working hard to end frequent grid collapses and achieve grid reliability and stability in the power sector.
Chief Adelabu stated this in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday while fielding questions from newsmen at the NISO Management maiden retreat 2025 with the theme “NISO on the Move.”
Represented at the occasion by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Alh. Muhammadu Mamman, the minister said President Bola Tinubu’s administration, at inception, began doing things differently to ensure grid stability and reduce power outages in the country.
He said the creation of NISO was an initiative of the Federal Government to ensure that things are done differently in the sector.
Nigeria has experienced frequent grid collapses caused by a combination of factors, including ageing and poorly managed infrastructure, lack of funding, and vandalism.
These factors have caused widespread blackouts that negatively impact the economy and daily life, forcing businesses and households to rely on expensive alternatives such as generators.
However, chief Adelabu noted, “Since the commencement of this administration as everybody knows, things have been going on differently. The creation of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) itself is something that government is doing differently to ensure grid stabilization, reduction in power outages and ensure that every Nigerian has access to electricity.
His words: “First and foremost, we have to understand that the power business is extremely capital-intensive. If you look at other jurisdictions where they have their power right, find out how much they have spent on an annual basis–a lot of money.
“We haven’t really spent so much as we should to really make the grid reliable, that is why NISO has been created. We are complementing what the government is doing by attracting the private sector, so it’s very important and we are doing everything possible to optimize the existing investment so there will be improvement going forward.”
In his remarks, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, who was represented by the Commissioner of Power, Iniobong Robson, commended NISO for its achievements, adding that since its establishment it has demonstrated discipline and clarity in its mandate.
Punch/Ibrahim Abiodun
