The Federal Government yesterday announced an increase in electricity generation to 4,502 megawatts nationwide.
This was disclosed by the minister of information, Labaran Maku, who was speaking in Abuja on the achievements of the government in 2012.
According to the minister, “At the moment, there is an average of about 15 to 18 hours per day of constant power supply to different parts of the country. This feat was brought about by the implementation of the integrated power sector reform programme anchored on the Power road map.
“This includes institutional reforms to involve the private sector in power generation, transmission and distribution.”
He said under the power roadmap being implemented by the government, 10 new thermal power plants had been completed, adding that more would come on stream in 2013 to boost electricity supply to all parts of the country.
He reportedly said that the rehabilitation of power generation and distribution infrastructure across the nation was ongoing as well as the rehabilitation of the Kainji Hydro power station to generate power at installed capacity.
Maku stated that electricity generation is expected to move up to 7,000MW in 2013.
The minister said a contract for the maintenance of the Shiroro power station has been awarded.
He disclosed that contracts have also been awarded for hydro-power plants in Kaduna and the Mambila plateau which is expected to add another 750MW of power.
“The implementation of the National Integrated Power Project is being fast-tracked to ensure stability in power supply,” he said.
The minister said $1bn and $150m loans would soon be secured from the African Development Bank to finance gas supply and liberalisation of the power sector, respectively.