The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, has reiterated the Federal Government’s determination to settle outstanding payments owed to power generation companies in order to address the ongoing blackout issue.

In a statement released by Mr. Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser for Strategic Communication and Media Relations to the Minister of Power, the government’s resolve was highlighted.

Adelabu attributed the current blackout experienced across the country to the insufficient supply of gas to power generating companies. He emphasized that the pending payments were crucial for ensuring enhanced gas supply and increased power generation capacity.

“This initiative is geared towards facilitating improved electricity provision by distribution companies to Nigerian consumers,” Adelabu affirmed.

Acknowledging the unsustainable nature of the present situation, the minister stressed the need for immediate action and assured that measures were underway to rectify the blackout.

Adelabu pointed out that over the past few weeks, there had been a noticeable decline in the level of power supply nationwide, adversely impacting production and resulting in blackouts in various regions.

He attributed the decline to the reduced availability of gas supplied to generation companies, which consequently lowered the energy output directed to load centres, thereby affecting electricity distribution by utility companies.

“This is mainly due to a decreased level of gas supply to generation companies.

“This situation has led to a lower level of energy supplied to load centres, which has affected supply of electricity to distribution companies,” he said