The federal government says it is targeting 20,000 megawatts of electricity generation within the next three to five years, as part of efforts to achieve stable power supply across the country.

Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe disclosed this during an interview on TVC on Tuesday.

Mr Tegbe said the government was pursuing a long-term strategy to expand generation capacity, strengthen transmission infrastructure, develop renewable energy and attract more private sector investment.

He expressed optimism that Nigerians would begin to enjoy more stable electricity within the next three to five years.

“Give me a time horizon of three to five years, and Nigeria will enjoy stable electricity,” he said.

The minister said the government was moving beyond the long-standing 10,000MW generation target, with several projects in the pipeline that could increase the country’s generation capacity to about 20,000MW.

He said that the government was engaging private investors and development partners to accelerate the projects.

Mr Tegbe also disclosed that Aliko Dangote had expressed commitment to supporting the country’s ambition to achieve the 20,000MW target.

He identified the 3,000MW Mambila Hydropower Project as a major component of the generation expansion plan.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu has directed him to engage with northern states to secure their participation in the project.

He added that Chinese companies had indicated interest in supporting its development through potential financing from China Exim Bank in collaboration with Sinohydro.

The minister also said the government was exploring small hydropower opportunities across the country, adding that a small hydropower policy was nearing completion.

He said 21 dams had been identified along the proposed Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway for possible hydropower development, with the president’s approval already secured and discussions ongoing with prospective investors.

Mr Tegbe said the initiatives would expand electricity generation options and improve power supply across different parts of the country.

He identified the Electricity Act 2023 as another major driver of the government’s electricity expansion agenda, noting that it had opened the sector to state governments and private investors.

According to him, the law allows states to develop electricity markets and pursue solutions such as mini-grids and gas-fired power plants based on their needs.

He said that decentralising the electricity sector would complement the national grid, improve access and create more investment opportunities.

The minister also called for more private-sector participation in transmission and distribution to provide the capital and technical expertise needed to modernise the sector.

He said Nigeria’s future electricity demand would be driven by population growth, industrial expansion, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, data infrastructure, and remote working.

Mr Tegbe stressed that the government was prioritising stabilising the national grid and optimally utilising existing generation capacity while investing in infrastructure to meet future demand.

He said ongoing grid rehabilitation, new transmission projects, generation expansion and private investment would gradually improve electricity supply.

The minister, however, noted that major power projects required between three and five years to complete.

Mr Tegbe said the government’s ultimate objective is to build a reliable electricity system capable of supporting households, businesses and industrial development.

(NAN)