Minister Of Power, Abubakar Aliyu Gives Reason For Erratic Power Supply Across Nation

The government of Nigeria has blamed the low water level in the hydro dams for the poor power supply in the country.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu during the weekly State House briefing held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to Aliyu’s explanation, the erratic power supply witnessed in the country is due to the dry season which resulted in reduced hydro capacity of the dams used to generate electricity.

The minister also said that asides the low water level at the hydro dams, the ongoing maintenance work on some power plants around the country also contributed to the reduced power supply.

He also said the government is working to improve the situation by optimising gas supply. However, he warned electricity distribution companies against selling meters, saying customers should get them free of charge.

He noted that the rollout of one million meters for the first phase of the government’s initiative to reduce the metering gap would be followed up with the provision of four million more.

The minister said;

“I would like to discuss the increased load shedding. You may have observed in Abuja and other areas in the country. With the reduction in hydro capacity during the dry season, additional loads need to be taken up by our gas plants.

We are having maintenance work in the eastern axis around Odupami, leading to reduced power supply from the usually reliable NDPHC Calabar power plant, and we are having challenges at Okoloma gas station linked to AFAM 6 power plant.

We are working with NNPC and other gas suppliers. Also to improve the pressure on the western axis, and that is precluding this unit from reaching optimum supply. These challenges are surmountable.

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

“Some examples of critical projects held up by right of way are the Benin to Oshogbo which I’ve mentioned 330 KV line which is 250 kilometres, Ikot Ekepene to Ikot Abasi, also 330 KV line, 68 kilometres and the Kano-Katsina 330 KV line, 180 kilometres.”