Nigeria's Power Minister Targets 70,000MW by 2030

The Federal Government has set an ambitious target of generating 70,000 megawatts of electricity by 2030, as announced by Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe during the 13th Nigeria Energy Leadership Summit in Lagos. Currently, Nigeria has over 13,000 megawatts of installed generation capacity but struggles to produce less than 5,000 megawatts, indicating a significant gap between existing infrastructure and the government's goals.

Tegbe emphasized the need for planning to accommodate future electricity demands driven by industrialization, artificial intelligence, and data centers. The government plans to enhance the national grid, develop additional generation capacity, and improve electricity delivery.

Key initiatives include the East-West Grid programme to strengthen transmission infrastructure and the development of smaller hydropower projects, with 21 dams identified for potential rehabilitation along the Sokoto–Badagry Expressway. The Mambilla hydropower project remains part of long-term expansion plans.

Successful implementation of these projects is crucial for improving electricity supply in Nigeria.