Tunde Bakare
Government has set up a Gas-to-Power Monitoring Committee as part of fresh efforts to address persistent gas supply challenges undermining electricity generation across the country.
Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, described the move as a “decisive and strategic step” aimed at resolving one of the most critical constraints in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
Adelabu, according to a statement in Abuja by his spokesman, Bolaji Tunji, noted that gas-fired plants account for about 80 per cent of Nigeria’s electricity generation, but have continued to face setbacks due to supply disruptions, pipeline vandalism, mounting debts to gas producers, and weak coordination within the sector.
He said the inauguration signalled the federal government’s resolve to move away from the status quo that has limited generation capacity and hindered reliable power supply to Nigerians.
“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 stated.
Adelabu said the inauguration was also a declaration of intent and a clear signal that this administration will no longer accept the status quo where gas supply disruptions, pipeline vandalism, mounting debts to gas producers, and weak sector coordination continue to undermine generation capacity and deprive Nigerians of reliable electricity.
He explained that the committee was constituted following deliberations at the first quarter 2026 Ministerial Power Sector Working Group meeting, where key issues affecting gas supply, including infrastructure gaps, liquidity constraints and pricing challenges, were identified.
According to him, the committee is expected to monitor and drive the resolution of critical issues such as repair and maintenance of damaged gas pipelines, settlement of outstanding debts to gas suppliers, and other commercial and operational barriers affecting gas availability to power plants.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Mahmuda Mamman, represented by the Director of Distribution in the Ministry said the inauguration was in line with the minister’s directive to urgently address challenges affecting gas supply to the sector.
He identified infrastructure deficits, pipeline vandalism, liquidity constraints, and coordination gaps as major issues that have continued to hinder electricity generation and impact economic growth