Cape Town, South Africa – November 8, 2024: The Nigerian government has committed to ensuring a 20-hour daily power supply across the nation by the year 2027, provided that the oil and gas sector experiences significant growth. This ambitious target was announced by the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen, during a presentation at the Energy Week event held in Cape Town, South Africa.
In a statement released by the Director of Information and Publicity for the State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye, Verheijen emphasized that the government is focusing on achieving reliable electricity for Nigerians, a critical factor for economic stability and industrial growth. She stated that the government’s pledge hinges on revitalizing the oil and gas industry, which remains central to funding and supporting Nigeria’s broader energy infrastructure improvements.
Verheijen highlighted the government’s strategic focus on energy sector reforms, which aim to harness the nation’s natural resources to increase electricity generation and distribution. She further detailed the administration’s plans to implement policies encouraging private sector investment in power and gas infrastructure. This, she noted, would be crucial for achieving a sustainable and improved power supply within the set timeline.
“We recognize that reliable power is foundational to our development goals, and our commitment is to transform the energy landscape by making Nigeria energy sufficient,” Verheijen remarked at the conference. She expressed confidence that enhanced efficiency and investment in the oil and gas sector would translate to substantial progress in Nigeria’s electricity supply and ultimately improve living conditions for millions of Nigerians.
The pledge comes at a time when the nation grapples with persistent power shortages, with current daily electricity supply averaging less than 12 hours in most regions. The administration sees the 2027 goal as attainable if oil sector reforms and investments yield expected results, offering a ray of hope to households and businesses alike.
The statement from the State House emphasized the importance of international collaborations and investment partnerships to achieve this goal, especially given the recent interest from global energy players in Nigeria’s growing oil and gas sector.
This announcement aligns with Nigeria’s broader energy transition roadmap, which also aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, integrate renewable energy, and ensure energy security.