Tinubu Unveils N4tn Power Sector Rescue Plan, Targets Improved Electricity Supply
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unveiled a fresh N4 trillion intervention plan aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s struggling electricity sector, describing reliable power supply as a critical component of his administration’s economic transformation agenda.
Speaking during his 2026 Democracy Day address on Friday, the President said the Federal Government is implementing far-reaching reforms and investments designed to address longstanding challenges that have hindered the growth of the power sector.
Tinubu disclosed that the Presidential Power Sector Task Force has been authorised to raise a N4 trillion bond to settle verified legacy debts across the electricity value chain, a move expected to improve liquidity and restore confidence among investors and operators.
The President said the intervention forms part of broader efforts to reposition a sector he described as being burdened by weak infrastructure, chronic generation shortfalls, poor revenue collection, and a massive metering deficit.
“By 2023, when we came on board, the electricity sector was characterised by chronic generation shortfalls, an unreliable gas supply, and transmission infrastructure so fragile that it could not evacuate available power,” Tinubu said.
According to him, despite an installed generation capacity of about 13,500 megawatts, the sector was unable to effectively generate, transmit and distribute sufficient electricity to meet national demand.
He noted that distribution companies were also grappling with significant operational losses and a metering deficit exceeding four million customers, while mounting debts threatened the sustainability of the entire power value chain.
To address the challenges, Tinubu highlighted the implementation of the Electricity Act, which grants states the authority to generate, transmit and distribute electricity within their jurisdictions.
The President said the policy is opening up new opportunities for investment, competition and innovation in the sector, while allowing sub-national governments to play a more active role in improving electricity access.
He also revealed that efforts are underway to significantly reduce the metering gap through targeted interventions by the Presidential Power Sector Task Force.
In addition, Tinubu said the Federal Government, through the Rural Electrification Agency, is expanding access to electricity in underserved communities using off-grid and mini-grid solutions.
The projects, supported by the World Bank and the African Development Bank, are already delivering power to communities, universities, markets and healthcare facilities that previously lacked reliable electricity supply.
Analysts say the combination of debt resolution, regulatory reforms and decentralised power generation could unlock fresh investments in the sector and help address one of the major constraints to economic growth and industrial development in Nigeria.
Tinubu reiterated that improved electricity supply remains central to the administration’s development agenda, noting that access to reliable power is essential for businesses, job creation and improved quality of life.
“Electricity is a democratic dividend we owe every Nigerian. We intend to deliver it,” the President said.
The renewed focus on the power sector comes as the Federal Government seeks to attract greater private-sector participation and strengthen the infrastructure needed to support industrialisation, digital innovation and sustainable economic growth.