The Nigerian Government has announced significant strides in addressing the longstanding issue of gas debt, which has been a major impediment to the country’s electricity supply. According to Decade of Gas Secretariat Director, Ed Ubong, the government has successfully settled N120 million out of the $1.3 billion owed, a move aimed at alleviating the electricity supply challenges facing the nation.
Speaking at the 7th Nigeria International Energy Summit in Abuja, Ubong stated, “As of last year, that (gas debts) was about $1.3 billion, depending on how you add up the numbers. But I am pleased that the government has paid over $120 million between October and the end of January to offset some of that money.”
This development comes amidst ongoing electricity outages experienced by consumers across Nigeria since the beginning of the year. Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, had previously attributed the drop in power supply to gas constraints, prompting the government to establish a committee to address the issue. However, despite these efforts, the country has continued to grapple with power supply shortages.
In addition to the challenges posed by gas debt, the recent vandalization of the Transmission Company of Nigeria’s Tower 70 along the 33kV Gwagwalada-Katampe line has further exacerbated the electricity crisis in the country. Despite these setbacks, the government’s commitment to resolving the gas debt issue marks a significant step towards improving the overall electricity situation in Nigeria.
