Hope for Steady Lights: Nigerians Set for 24/7 Power Supply Soon?
Nigeria has faced power problems for years. Blackouts happen often. Homes and businesses suffer. But good news came on September 12, 2025. The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, said Nigerians will soon get 24/7 electricity. This means lights on all day and night. No more long waits. Is this real? Let’s look at what happened. We will check the facts. Then, see what people think.
The Minister’s Big Promise
Adebayo Adelabu spoke in Abuja. This is Nigeria’s capital. He was at an event. It marked new buildings for training power workers. These are at the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria, or NAPTIN. Two blocks with five workshops opened. A hostel with 104 rooms too. Adelabu called it a big step. He said President Bola Tinubu’s team is working hard. “In no time, we are going to witness a country where there is 24/7 uninterrupted power supply,” he stated. He added, “This is possible, and we have certainly seen the signs.”
Adelabu pointed to progress. Nigeria now makes more power than ever. Generation and transmission hit records. Gas supply to plants is up. In July 2025, daily gas production reached 7.59 billion standard cubic feet. This helps power stations run better. The European Union helps too. They gave €100 million for clean energy. It will add 400 megawatts by 2027. This can power over five million people.
The minister said training is key. New workers will fix old issues. NAPTIN’s boss, Ahmed Nagode, agreed. He wants partnerships to train youth. This builds skills for the future.
Nigeria’s Power Struggles: A Quick Look Back
Power woes in Nigeria go way back. The country has over 200 million people. But only about 4,000 to 5,000 megawatts flow most days. This is low for such a big nation. Factories close early. Homes use generators. Fuel costs a lot. In 2023, experts said $100 billion is needed for full 24/7 supply.
President Tinubu promised change in 2023. He said 24/7 power in four years. But two years later, 90 million Nigerians still lack steady electricity. Tariffs rose in 2024. Band A users pay more for 20 hours a day. Some areas like Lagos and Bayelsa see better supply now. State fixes helped there. But the national grid collapsed again recently. This makes promises hard to believe.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) hopes for full supply in five years. They credit Adelabu’s work. But challenges remain. Old lines break. Vandalism hurts. Gas shortages slow plants.
What Do Nigerians Think? Mixed Feelings
People react in different ways. Some hope for change. Others doubt it. On X, formerly Twitter, posts show this. One user shared the news but asked, “Why is this minister making a fool out of himself?” They mentioned grid collapses. Another said, “The only 24/7 power in Nigeria is solar energy. Stop lying.” A post joked about the minister using a power bank himself.
But some see good signs. A tweet said, “Nigeria on Path to 24/7 Power Supply.” In places like Lekki, estates use solar for steady power. Reddit users debate if poor areas can afford it. One noted, “Even if 24 hours, most couldn’t afford it.” Benin Republic has better supply, they say. Why not Nigeria?
Experts weigh in too. Some praise gas boosts. Others say infrastructure needs billions more. Quora answers blame poor roads and funds. Overall, hope mixes with frustration.
How This Affects Everyday Life in Nigeria
Better power changes everything. Homes light up at night. Kids study longer. No more generator noise. Businesses run full days. Factories make more goods. Jobs grow. Economy boosts. In 2025, power firms like Ikeja Electric aim for reliable service. But now, high tariffs hurt poor families. Solar helps some. It gives 24/7 in sunny areas. But costs upfront are high.
Politically, this promise ties to Tinubu’s goals. If it works by 2027, it builds trust. If not, anger rises. Tech side: More power means better internet and phones. Sports and events run smooth. No blackouts mid-game.
For U.S. readers, think of it like this. Nigeria’s power is like old U.S. grids in the 1900s. Steady supply helped America grow. Nigeria wants that now.
Steps Ahead: Can It Happen?
The government has a plan. Train more workers. Fix grids. Add renewables. EU aid helps. Gas production is up. TCN targets five years. But needs money and peace. No more vandalism.
People can help. Use less power. Report issues. Go solar where possible. Watch for updates from the Ministry of Power.
Wrapping Up: Lights on the Horizon?
Adelabu’s words bring hope. “We’ve seen the signs,” he says. Nigeria inches toward 24/7 power. Records in generation show progress. But grid falls and old promises make doubt. Nigerians wait and watch. If it comes, life improves big time. Stay tuned. Change might be near.
(Word count: 812)