Minister Tegbe expresses optimism that Nigeria will achieve 24-hour electricity supply to boost industrialisation
The Nigerian government has set a target of 8,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity generation and transmission by the end of 2027 as part of its efforts to address persistent power supply challenges and support industrial growth.
Speaking on Wednesday, August 26, in Abuja during the launch of the Renewable Energy Assets Management Company (RAMCO) by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, outlined the roadmap for the sector.
He noted that while the nation currently struggles to transmit around 5,000MW, the immediate goal is to scale capacity up to 6,500MW by the end of 2026 before hitting 8,000MW in 2027.
Tegbe voiced strong optimism that Nigerians will soon experience 24/7 power supply, describing recent grid improvements as merely the baseline of a broader transformation.
“Nigeria has lived too long with an embarrassing paradox. We’re very rich in power assets, energy resources, and installed infrastructure, yet we’re poor in the ability to depend on electricity,” Tegbe stated.
He assured that ongoing reforms would soon resolve this disconnect and bring 24-hour electricity to households and businesses.
Renewable Energy Takes Centre Stage
A key component of the government’s strategy is the expansion of renewable energy alongside conventional grid electricity.
Tegbe said RAMCO would introduce a new approach to the management, operation and sustainability of renewable energy infrastructure, with the model eventually expected to cover the wider electricity grid.
“For me, RAMCO offers a different model, a new paradigm. And as I said, I’m committed to not only limiting this to renewable energy; we will also shift it to the entire grid,” he said.
He explained that the new model would emphasise professional management, discipline, sustainability and measurable performance in the operation of electricity assets.
The minister said the government was also developing a more flexible electricity system capable of combining conventional grid supply with embedded generation, interconnected and distributed renewable energy, energy storage and other technologies suited to specific communities and economic clusters.
“As a nation, the plan is to build a versatile electricity future that combines grid supply, embedded generation, interconnected and distributed renewables, distributed renewable energy resources, storage and other technologies that suit a particular community and economic cluster,” Tegbe said.
He added that mini-grids would be deployed in areas without access to transmission infrastructure.
“Wherever we don’t have transmission lines, we will fill it up with mini-grids going forward,” he stated.
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Beyond Generation Capacity
While the government is targeting higher electricity output, Tegbe stressed that the success of the reforms would not be measured solely by the number of megawatts generated or transmitted.
He said reliability and sustainability of supply would be equally important, particularly as Nigeria seeks to use electricity as a catalyst for economic development.
“RAMCO will not only be measured by how many megawatts you deliver but also the reliability of your delivery and the sustainability of that delivery,” he said.
The minister said the government’s ambition extended beyond ending power shortages to making electricity infrastructure a foundation for industrialisation and the expansion of emerging digital industries.
“Our ambition is much bigger than just ending darkness. Our ambition is to use electricity to build prosperity, to make Nigeria competitive for manufacturing and to power the next generation of digital infrastructure,” he said.
Power Demand from AI, Data Centres
Tegbe identified artificial intelligence and data centres as emerging drivers of electricity demand, noting that the energy requirements of digital infrastructure would require more reliable and strategically located power supply.
“What is going to drive the electricity power supply in the next generation is not only manufacturing; it’s AI. The energy demand of AI is high,” he said.
According to the minister, the government is already receiving requests from investors seeking to locate data centres close to power plants because of their substantial electricity requirements.
The development underscores the growing pressure on Nigeria’s power system to deliver not only more electricity but also reliable, uninterrupted supply capable of supporting energy-intensive industries.
Sustaining Renewable Assets
Earlier, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu, commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting initiatives aimed at expanding electricity access.
Aliyu said the government’s support had helped make it possible to energise universities and teaching hospitals with renewable energy solutions.
He explained that RAMCO was established to ensure that renewable energy assets deployed through such projects remain operational and sustainable over the long term.
Tegbe also commended Aliyu for moving quickly to actualise the RAMCO initiative, saying the model needed to translate into a practical and sustainable system.
The minister’s 8,000MW target therefore places greater emphasis on the ability of Nigeria’s electricity system to absorb, transmit and reliably distribute additional generation, while renewable energy, mini-grids, storage and embedded generation are expected to complement the conventional grid.
If achieved, the target could provide a stronger foundation for manufacturing, digital infrastructure and other productive activities. However, the government’s ability to turn additional generation capacity into dependable electricity for households and businesses will remain critical to determining whether the promised transformation delivers the desired economic impact.
Victor Ezeja is a Nigerian journalist skilled in producing insightful news analyses, feature stories, and interviews that simplify complex issues and drive informed public discourse. His work combines rigorous research, balanced reporting, and compelling storytelling to highlight developments shaping industries and society. Victor, who holds a Master's Degree in Mass Communication, specializes in energy, aviation, business, and economic reporting. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X