The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to launch an initiative aimed at creating dedicated 24-hour power supply zones in major commercial and industrial centres across the country. This move is designed to improve electricity reliability for households, businesses, and industries. The government is working closely with electricity distribution companies to maximise the power available to them and strengthen their delivery networks. The proposed initiative was disclosed by the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, during a strategic meeting with selected electricity distribution companies.
The initial phase of the initiative will focus on three major economic corridors: Lagos; Abuja-Kaduna-Kano; and Enugu-Port Harcourt. These areas have been identified as having high electricity demand, particularly in locations with significant commercial and industrial activity. According to Minister Tegbe, improving electricity generation and transmission alone would not resolve the country’s power challenges, as distribution remains a critical part of the sector. The ability of distribution companies to receive available electricity and distribute it efficiently to consumers is central to improving power supply.
The proposed 24-hour power supply zones will help tackle distribution bottlenecks in areas with strong electricity demand. This, in turn, is expected to unlock demand for electricity while improving the revenue and collection performance of distribution companies. The Minister of Power reaffirmed the Federal Government’s intention to expand and strengthen electricity infrastructure in areas where demand is high. He emphasised that infrastructure development must keep pace with the requirements of a growing economy.
The initiative is being implemented under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with the Ministry of Power linking reliable electricity supply to economic expansion, industrialisation, and job creation. The meeting with distribution companies brought together representatives of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, Ikeja Electric, Eko Power, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, and Sahara Energy Group. Further discussions will be held on the infrastructure, commercial, and operational requirements needed to establish and sustain the proposed 24-hour electricity zones.
The proposed arrangement is expected to focus not only on making more electricity available but also on ensuring that power can be effectively moved through distribution networks to consumers in areas where demand is highest. The Ministry of Power is working to ensure that the initiative is implemented in a disciplined and sequenced approach to resolving the challenges confronting the power sector. This approach was committed to by Minister Tegbe upon assuming office.
The creation of dedicated 24-hour power supply zones is also expected to enable distribution companies to maximise the power available to them and strengthen their delivery networks. This, in turn, will improve electricity reliability for households, businesses, and industries. The initiative is a significant step towards addressing the country’s power challenges and will help to drive economic growth and development.
The Federal Government’s move to create dedicated 24-hour power supply zones has been well-received by stakeholders in the power sector. The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the economy and will help to improve the quality of life for Nigerians. The Ministry of Power will continue to work with distribution companies to ensure the successful implementation of the initiative.
Key points
- The Federal Government is working with electricity distribution companies to establish dedicated 24-hour power supply zones in major commercial and industrial centres across Nigeria.
- The proposed initiative is designed to improve electricity reliability for households, businesses, and industries while enabling distribution companies to maximise the power available to them and strengthen their delivery networks.
- The initiative is being implemented under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with the Ministry of Power linking reliable electricity supply to economic expansion, industrialisation, and job creation.
