Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has revealed that the country requires a staggering $10 billion annually for the next 10 to 20 years to permanently fix its persistent power supply challenges.
Adelabu made this disclosure during the commissioning of the Phase 1–600kW Solar PV Power Plant at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna, a project executed by the Federal Ministry of Power and the Rural Electrification Agency.
“For us to achieve functional, reliable, and stable electricity in Nigeria, we need not less than $10 billion annually for the next ten to twenty years,” Adelabu said.
The Minister acknowledged the enormity of the task ahead but expressed confidence in achieving a stable and sustainable energy future through strategic reforms, sustained investment, and decentralization of power governance.
He noted that the signing of the Electricity Act has granted autonomy to more than eleven Nigerian states, empowering federal, state, and local governments to actively participate in electricity generation, transmission, distribution, and metering.
“This bill has achieved liberation and decentralization of the power sector… more states are still coming,” he noted.
Adelabu outlined two major bottlenecks:
- Legislative and Policy Foundation – now addressed with the new energy law.
- Infrastructure Deficit – which he says has built up over 60 years due to underinvestment and lack of maintenance.
He emphasized the need to upgrade the national transmission grid and tackle the over 50% metering gap. The federal government, through a Presidential initiative, aims to install 18 million meters over the next five years.
Renewable Energy Project for NDA Commissioned
The commissioning of the 600kW and 3MW solar PV power plants at the Nigerian Defence Academy was a milestone, demonstrating the government’s push to diversify Nigeria’s energy mix and promote clean energy solutions.
Adelabu described the NDA as a strategic national institution blending academic excellence with military discipline and highlighted the importance of powering such facilities with renewable energy.
“Powering the Academy with renewable energy aligns with our vision for a secure, self-reliant, and energy-efficient Nigeria,” the Minister said.
He also tied the initiative to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes universal energy access and accelerated national development.
Adelabu praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their continued role in protecting critical power infrastructure, which has come under increasing threat from vandalism and targeted attacks.
However, he called for mutual respect between power sector workers and the military, referencing a recent altercation between Ikeja Electric staff and military personnel, which he described as “unfortunate and counterproductive.”
“The power sector and the military are not on opposing sides… Our shared objective is a Nigeria where sustainable electricity supply supports growth, security, and prosperity for all.”
In his remarks, NDA Commandant Major General Abdul Ibrahim expressed appreciation for the Ministry of Power’s efforts and pledged continued collaboration between the Academy and the federal government in advancing Nigeria’s energy goals.
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