The Federal Government is targeting 8,000 megawatts of electricity by 2027 as part of its power expansion plans under President Bola Tinubu’s first term. Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, gave this assurance during the sixth edition of the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja. He claimed that the current growth in the energy sector could be sustained if the administration stays on track.
According to him, if the present pace continues, Nigeria will not only generate but also distribute up to 8,000 megawatts of electricity within the next few years. “If we sustain this trajectory, I can assure you that before the end of this administration, we should be able to generate and distribute nothing less than 8,000 megawatts of power,” Adelabu said.
Why Nigeria Hasn’t Reached 30,000 Megawatts Yet
The minister blamed past governments for failing to meet long-term electricity targets. He noted that if previous administrations had added just 1,000 megawatts every year since 1999, the country would already have up to 30,000 megawatts today.
“What we are saying is that past administrations had their own positives. But if they had been adding at least 1,000 megawatts of power since 1999, we’d be talking about 30,000 megawatts of power in Nigeria today,” he stated.
However, Adelabu added that the focus should now be on what can be done to move forward. “You cannot keep dwelling on the past. It’s the way forward,” he said.
The current administration believes that achieving the goal, Nigeria targets 8,000 megawatts of electricity by 2027 is still possible with a consistent approach to infrastructure and generation projects.
150 Million Nigerians Now Have Power, Adelabu Claims
Adelabu also claimed that power supply across the country is improving. He stated that around 150 million Nigerians now have access to adequate electricity. He attributed this to Nigeria’s participation in the World Bank and AfDB’s “Mission 300” program, which aims to provide power to 300 million Africans by 2030.
He said Nigeria will account for at least 25% of the target, which means 75 million Nigerians will benefit. “When we presented our compact, they agreed with us,” Adelabu explained.
Despite the goal that Nigeria targets 8,000 megawatts of electricity by 2027, the minister warned that focusing only on rural renewable energy isn’t enough. He stressed the need to improve grid infrastructure so people already connected can enjoy stable power.
“How do we explain the growing number of Nigerian companies opting out of the national grid to generate captive power?” he asked.
Critics Question If Nigeria Can Truly Target 8,000 Megawatts by 2027
Despite the minister’s promises, many Nigerians remain skeptical. They argue that talking about figures like 8,000 megawatts of electricity by 2027 is one thing, delivering it is another.
They say that the persistent blackout problems, epileptic grid, and the rising cost of self-generation show a government more interested in making promises than powering homes. As one angry citizen put it, “It’s how they continue to keep Adelabu as the Minister of Power. Never seen a more incompetent minister.”
While the Federal Government claims progress, many believe that until consistent electricity reaches every home and business, targeting 8,000 megawatts of electricity by 2027 will remain just another empty political slogan.
