Nigeria is targeting an expansion of its electricity generation capacity to 20,000 megawatts, with the Federal Government projecting improved power supply within the next three to five years through new hydropower projects, infrastructure development and increased private sector investment.

The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, stated this during a television interview, saying the administration was moving beyond the longstanding 10,000MW generation target to pursue a higher capacity capable of supporting the country’s growing electricity demand.

He expressed confidence that Nigerians would begin to enjoy more stable electricity within three to five years, noting that major investments in generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure were required to address decades of underdevelopment in the sector.

According to him, the government is engaging private investors and development partners to accelerate the delivery of projects that could take Nigeria’s generation capacity towards 20,000MW.

He disclosed that Aliko Dangote had expressed commitment to supporting the country’s ambition to achieve the target.

A major component of the expansion plan is the Mambila Hydropower Project, which has the potential to generate approximately 3,000MW of electricity.

Tegbe said President Bola Tinubu had directed him to engage northern states to ensure their participation and stake in the project.

He added that Chinese companies had indicated interest in supporting its development through potential financing from China Exim Bank in collaboration with Sinohydro.

The government is also pursuing the development of small hydropower resources, with a policy on the initiative nearing completion.

The minister disclosed that 21 dams had been identified along the proposed Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway for potential development, adding that the President had approved the initiative and engagements were ongoing with prospective investors.

He said the projects would expand Nigeria’s electricity generation options and create opportunities to improve power supply across different regions.

Tegbe also identified the Electricity Act 2023 as a major framework for expanding investment in the sector, explaining that it allows state governments and private investors to develop electricity solutions tailored to their needs.

Under the decentralised framework, states can develop mini-grids, gas-fired power plants and independent electricity markets to complement the national grid.

He said the government was equally looking to expand private sector participation in transmission and distribution to mobilise the capital and technical expertise required to modernise the electricity system.

The minister noted that Nigeria’s future electricity needs would be driven not only by population growth and industrial expansion but also by emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, data infrastructure and the growing number of Nigerians working remotely.

He said the developments made it necessary for the country to expand generation, strengthen transmission infrastructure and improve the capacity of distribution companies to deliver electricity efficiently.

Tegbe explained that the immediate priority remained stabilising the existing national grid and optimising available generation capacity while investments were being made to meet future demand.

He acknowledged that major power infrastructure projects could take between three and five years to complete, stressing that sustainable improvements in electricity supply would require time and coordinated investments.

“Give me a time horizon of three to five years, and Nigeria will enjoy stable electricity,” he said.

He maintained that the administration’s electricity expansion programme was aimed not only at increasing generation capacity but also at building a system capable of reliably supplying households, businesses and industries.