Nigeria’s power grid is set for a major boost, with the Federal Government targeting an additional 4,000 megawatts (MW) by the end of 2026.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who said the new drive comes through the engagement of reputable Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) companies under a fresh strategic directive approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking through a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, Adelabu explained that the EPC companies were carefully selected based on their proven technical strength, financial capacity, and access to financing.

“The strategic decisions aim to increase grid capacity by an additional 4,000MW by the end of 2026, with an aspirational target of an additional 2,000MW, as directed by the Economic Management Team in 2024,” Adelabu stated.

Highlighting the government’s renewed commitment to solving the long-standing power issues, the Minister pointed to the successful implementation of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), popularly known as the Siemens Power Project.

He noted that a pilot phase of the project was completed with the delivery and installation of 10 power transformers and 10 mobile substations nationwide in October 2023.

“The inception of the present administration in 2023 brought about renewed vigour to the Siemens Power Project as an accelerated contract was signed to ensure visible progress in the project,” Adelabu said.

“No significant progress was made on the project until the present administration came into office,” he added, emphasizing that the achievements recorded since May 29, 2023, are evidence of a determined and focused government agenda.

Tunji echoed the Minister’s remarks, stating, “There is no doubt that the Siemens project has witnessed significant improvements since the inauguration of this administration.”

In addition to the progress made on the pilot phase, the Federal Government has also begun preparatory activities for the main phase of the PPI in 2024, laying the groundwork for a broader national rollout.

The government’s efforts have also led to several completed transmission projects by the Federal Government Power Company, which have collectively increased the nation’s wheeling capacity by over 700MW.

This boost has had a ripple effect on power supply, benefitting industrial hubs, businesses, universities, and residential areas across the country.

Adelabu reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to delivering measurable improvements in power access and reliability, stating that while he appreciates the contributions of past administrations, the Tinubu-led government has “redefined the trajectory of the PPI with clearer timelines and robust implementation strategies.”

The Siemens Power Project, initiated in August 2018 as a bilateral partnership between Nigeria and Germany, was designed to overhaul Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure in phases, focusing on generation, transmission, and distribution.

Under the current administration, a new Acceleration Agreement was signed with Siemens Energy to fast-track the project’s implementation, signaling a more aggressive approach to resolving Nigeria’s chronic power challenges.