CurrentReport Blog In the face of ongoing electricity outages plaguing Nigeria since the start of the year, the nation’s unresolved gas debt emerges as a critical factor exacerbating the crisis. Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has pointed to gas constraints as a primary reason for the decline in power supply, despite efforts by a committee established to address the issue.
Recent developments, including the vandalization of the Transmission Company of Nigeria’s Tower 70 along the 33kV Gwagwalada-Katampe line, have further compounded the electricity challenge. This incident underscores the vulnerability of the country’s energy infrastructure and highlights the urgent need for comprehensive solutions.
Speaking at the 7th Nigeria International Energy Summit in Abuja, Decade of Gas Secretariat Director, Ed Ubong, shed light on the government’s efforts to mitigate the gas debt burden. He revealed that the government has disbursed over $120 million between October and January to alleviate a portion of the outstanding debt, which stood at approximately $1.3 billion as of last year.
Despite these payments, the persistence of gas debts remains a significant obstacle to achieving sustainable and reliable electricity supply in Nigeria. The government’s commitment to addressing this issue is commendable, but more concerted efforts are required to fully resolve the underlying challenges.
