Nigeria’s federal government has set up a new committee aimed at addressing persistent gas supply problems that have continued to disrupt electricity generation across the country.
The Gas-to-Power Monitoring Committee was inaugurated in Abuja on Thursday by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who described the move as a “decisive and strategic step” towards improving power supply.
Gas-fired plants account for about 80% of Nigeria’s electricity generation, but output has often been affected by shortages in gas supply. Officials say these disruptions are linked to pipeline vandalism, unpaid debts to gas producers, and weak coordination within the sector.
Mr Adelabu said the creation of the committee signals the government’s intention to move away from long-standing challenges that have limited power generation.
“Today’s inauguration marks a decisive step in resolving one of the most persistent bottlenecks in electricity generation,” he said, referring to gas supply constraints within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
The minister added that the government would no longer accept a situation where recurring issues continue to affect electricity supply to millions of Nigerians.
According to him, the committee will focus on key challenges, including repairing damaged gas pipelines, addressing outstanding payments to suppliers, and resolving commercial and operational barriers affecting gas availability.
He also urged members to go beyond routine oversight and provide practical solutions, particularly in ensuring reliable payment systems for gas producers.
“The era of reactive, piecemeal responses must give way to coordinated interventions backed by data and accountability,” Mr Adelabu said.
The committee is expected to submit regular progress reports and will be held accountable for measurable results.
Members have been drawn from across the power and gas sectors, including the Ministry of Power, the Nigerian Independent System Operator, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the Association of Generation Companies, the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, and the Nigerian Gas Association.
Officials say the broad representation is intended to improve coordination across the gas-to-power value chain and support more stable electricity generation.
Nigeria has long struggled with unreliable power supply, with gas shortages remaining one of the key constraints on generation capacity.
