The Nigeria government has announced plans to double its electricity generation capacity to 20,000 megawatts within the next three to five years to improve power supply and support economic growth.
Power Minister Joseph Tegbe, during an interview on national television, said the target would be pursued through new generation projects, upgrades to transmission infrastructure, renewable energy development and increased private investment.
He said the government was moving beyond its long-standing 10,000MW benchmark, with several projects expected to boost output.
A major part of the plan is the 3,000MW Mambila Hydropower Project. Tegbe said President Bola Tinubu had directed him to engage northern state governments to secure their participation. Chinese firms have also expressed interest in the project, with possible financing support from China Exim Bank and technical involvement from Sinohydro.
The government is also considering smaller hydropower schemes. Tegbe said 21 dams along the proposed Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway had been identified for potential electricity generation, following presidential approval. Discussions with prospective investors are under way, while a national policy on small hydropower is nearing completion.
The minister also pointed to the Electricity Act 2023, which allows state governments and private companies to establish and operate electricity markets. He said decentralised power projects, including mini-grids and gas-fired plants, could complement the national grid and expand access.
Tegbe said the government was seeking greater private sector involvement in transmission and distribution to bring in the funding and technical expertise needed to modernise the sector.
