Adelabu Apologises To Nigerians Over Power Outages, Promises Improvement

Adelabu Apologises To Nigerians Over Power Outages, Promises Improvement

Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has formally apologised to citizens for the persistent electricity outages that have gripped the nation in recent weeks.

Speaking at a press conference on March 24, 2026, Adelabu acknowledged the hardship caused by the disruptions, noting that businesses, schools, and industries have all been severely affected.

He stressed that the situation was not intentional but rather the result of challenges beyond the government’s immediate control.

The minister explained that the outages stem largely from gas supply shortfalls to generation companies. These shortfalls are linked to significant debts owed to gas suppliers, compounded by pipeline maintenance issues, ageing infrastructure, and liquidity constraints.

Adelabu warned that global instability, including the ongoing war in the Middle East, could further exacerbate the crisis.

Despite these difficulties, Adelabu outlined a path forward. He emphasised the importance of diversifying Nigeria’s energy mix by scaling up renewable energy solutions such as off-grid and mini-grid systems.

He argued that renewable energy offers a cost-effective and sustainable way to expand access without overburdening the national grid.

Integrating utility-scale solar, hydro, and other renewables, he said, would not only reduce dependence on gas-fired plants but also enhance energy security and support climate goals.

Adelabu highlighted the need for investments in grid monitoring, control systems, and planning to manage the intermittency of renewable sources while maintaining stability. He assured Nigerians that improvements in power supply would be seen in the coming days, promising that the government is committed to addressing the crisis.

Away from energy matters, speculation continues about Adelabu’s political future. Observers suggest he may be eyeing the Oyo State governorship in 2027, though he has not confirmed his intentions.

President Bola Tinubu has set a March 31 deadline for federal appointees with political ambitions to resign, leaving Adelabu with only a few days to make his decision.

This apology and promise of improvement mark a significant moment in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with power supply.

The minister’s remarks underscore both the scale of the challenges facing the sector and the government’s recognition of the urgent need for reform.