The federal government announced on Sunday that electricity generation improved from 3,951 MW to 4,300 between March 28 and April 10.

The power ministry noted in a statement that the gradual rise in generation output within the period was in tandem with the assurance given by the minister, Adebayo Adelabu, at the Power Sector Working Group, where he pledged that electricity supply would improve within two weeks.

It said the improvement closely aligned with the steady increase in gas supply to thermal power plants, which rose from approximately 605 million standard cubic feet (mmscfd) to over 704 mmscfd within the same timeframe.

The ministry added that mechanical availability remained stable and even improved, peaking at over 7,796MW in early April, while operational availability rose from about 4,208MW to a peak of over 4,694MW, indicating enhanced efficiency in converting available gas into electricity.

It also mentioned that the strong correlation between gas availability and generation output underscores the importance of sustained interventions in the gas-to-power value chain, given Nigeria’s heavy reliance on thermal power plants.

The ministry assured Nigerians that ongoing reforms and targeted interventions in the sector would continue to yield measurable improvements in power generation and supply, in line with the administration’s broader objective of stabilising the nation’s electricity sector.

The minister urged the new management of the Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency to focus on improving its internally generated revenue.

The minister spoke during the visit of the newly appointed managing director of the agency, Olusegun Adesayo and the chairman of the board, Ikechi Nwosu, to his office at the weekend.

Mr Adelabu said the agency should focus on improving IGR while reducing dependence on appropriation, especially for funding operational costs.

He also urged management to establish more meter-testing centres across the country to enhance their role.

(NAN)