The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has assured Nigerians that electricity supply will be fully restored within 24 to 48 hours following a recent decline caused by a temporary shortfall in power generation.
The disruption was triggered by an explosion on the Escravos–Lagos Gas Pipeline (ELP), alongside acts of vandalism on critical gas infrastructure. These incidents interrupted gas supply to several thermal power plants, leading to a nationwide drop in electricity generation.
Adelabu’s assurance followed a statement by the National Independent System Operator (NISO), which said it is closely monitoring repair works being carried out by the Nigerian Gas Processing and Transportation Company (NGPTC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). NISO confirmed that the pipeline explosion significantly reduced power generation across the country.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, the Minister acknowledged the inconvenience being experienced by households and businesses. He explained that the disruption is temporary and directly linked to acute gas supply constraints affecting several thermal power stations.
The Minister reiterated these assurances during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. The meeting brought together representatives of NISO, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the Ministry of Power, Power Generation Companies (GENCOs), and Power Distribution Companies (DISCOs).
Given the heightened electricity demand during the Yuletide season, Adelabu stressed the urgency of restoring gas supply and ramping up power generation. Stakeholders at the meeting confirmed that repairs to the vandalised pipelines would be completed within 24 to 48 hours, allowing gas supply to resume. The Minister subsequently directed all relevant agencies to intensify efforts to meet the deadline.
Preliminary investigations, according to Adelabu, established that the gas shortage resulted from the ELP explosion and vandalism of gas pipelines in the Niger Delta. These incidents drastically reduced the volume of gas available to power key electricity plants, leading to a sharp decline in national grid output.
While acknowledging the impact of the disruption, the Minister assured Nigerians of the Federal Government’s commitment to resolving the situation promptly.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to providing stable, reliable, and sustainable electricity to support homes, industries, and the wider economy, stressing that the temporary setback would not derail this goal.