Low water level at the hydro power stations is responsible for the erratic power supply currently being experienced in Abuja and other parts of the country, said the Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu.

“With the reduction in water levels at the hydro power stations during the dry season, the need for additional load to be taken up by gas plants and the challenges in repairs currently being done on generators are responsible for the load shedding and power outages,’’ Mr Aliyu said on Thursday.

Nigeria generates most of its power supplies from hydropower dams located in Kainji, Shiroro and Jebba.

The minister who addressed the media at a weekly presidential media chat at the State House, Abuja, said the government is doing everything to ensure optimum supply of gas to ensure quick restoration of power.

Speaking on the various power sector initiatives by the federal government, Mr Aliyu mentioned that the issue of right of way was stalling power projects.

“We are engaging with state governors through the Nigerian Governors Forum to drive a holistic solution to these lingering issues.

“Critical projects held up by right of way are the Benin to Osogbo 330 KV line which is 250 kilometres long and the Ikot Ekpene to Ikot Abasi also 330 KV line, which is 68 kilometres long.

“Another is the Kano-Katsina 330 KV line, also 180 kilometres long,’’ he said.

The minister claimed the power sector is receiving “unprecedented attention” under the Muhammadu Buhari administration

“Since the inception of the present government, it has turned its attention to our infrastructure and the attention this government is giving in my own view, is unprecedented.

“The enormity of the decay in the sector is what we are battling with to ensure we overcome challenges associated with electricity delivery in the country,’’ he stressed.