The federal government has inaugurated a gas-to-power monitoring committee as part of efforts to address persistent gas supply challenges affecting electricity generation.
Adebayo Adelabu, minister of power, who spoke at the inauguration in Abuja on Thursday, described the move as a “decisive and strategic step” to resolve a critical constraint in the Nigerian electricity supply industry (NESI).
According to a statement by Bolaji Tunji, special adviser on strategic communications and media relations, Adelabu said gas-fired plants, which account for about 80 percent of Nigeria’s electricity generation, continue to face setbacks due to supply disruptions, pipeline vandalism, mounting debts to gas producers, and weak coordination within the sector.
“Today’s inauguration marks a decisive and strategic step in our collective effort to resolve one of the most persistent bottlenecks constraining electricity generation across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, which is the challenge of gas supply to our power generation stations,” he said.
Adelabu said the inauguration signals signals the government’s resolve to move away from a status quo that has limited generation capacity and hindered reliable power supply.
The minister said the committee was constituted following deliberations at the first quarter (Q1) 2026 ministerial power sector working group meeting, where infrastructure gaps, liquidity constraints, and pricing issues were identified as key challenges.
He said the committee will monitor and drive the resolution of issues such as the repair of damaged gas pipelines, the settlement of outstanding debts to gas suppliers, and other operational barriers affecting gas availability to power plants.
Adelabu charged members to go beyond routine oversight by providing actionable recommendations, particularly on mechanisms to guarantee payment for gas supplies and ensure sustainability.
“The era of reactive, piecemeal responses must give way to systematic, well-coordinated interventions backed by data, clear timelines and institutional accountability,” he said.
‘COMMITTEE WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR CRITICAL ISSUES’
The minister said the committee will be held accountable for measurable progress, including regular reports, clear milestones, and escalation of critical issues requiring government intervention.
Adelabu expressed confidence in the committee’s ability to deliver, noting that it comprises stakeholders across the gas-to-power value chain, including the ministry of power, the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the Association of Generation Companies, the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), the Nigerian Gas Association, and consumer groups.
Speaking at the event, Mahmuda Mamman, permanent secretary of the ministry, said the inauguration aligns with efforts to urgently address challenges affecting gas supply.
He identified infrastructure deficits, pipeline vandalism, liquidity constraints, and coordination gaps as major issues hindering electricity generation and economic growth.
Mamman said a stable gas supply is critical to improving generation capacity, enhancing grid stability, and delivering better service to electricity consumers.
He urged the committee members to discharge their responsibilities with diligence and urgency, expressing optimism that the initiative would foster collaboration and deliver practical solutions for sustainable growth in the power sector.
