INTEGRATED RESOURCE PLAN (IRP): Stakeholders, Investors Brainstorm At Roundtable In Abuja ..... Adelabu Oversees Presentation of the National Integrated Electricity Policy NIEP

Chief Adebayo Adelabu 
Minister of Power 

In what has been described as a milestone in Nigeria’s electricity sector reform; a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Renewed Hope initiative of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration to shaping a power sector that is inclusive, sustainable, and driven by strategic planning, a public presentation of the National Integrated Electricity Policy NIEP today took place at Lagos Hall of the TransCorp Hilton in Abuja, the nation's capital of Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Nigeria's Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu noted that the National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP) serves as the guiding framework for Nigeria’s power sector, ensuring that our journey towards universal electrification is evidence-based, pragmatic, and aligned with our energy transition goals. Complementing this is the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) – a strategic roadmap that prioritizes least-cost electrification and an optimized energy resource utilization.

According to the Minister, "Collectively, the National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP) and the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) present a unique opportunity to drive the transformation of Nigeria’s power sector through a data-driven and evidence-based approach. Beyond strengthening the sector, these frameworks have far-reaching economic implications, directly impacting supply reliability to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large industries, reducing operational disruptions caused by power shortages, fostering economic growth and job creation, and accelerating local and regional development. 

"This reinforces our commitment to delivering a more reliable, sustainable, and inclusive energy future for all Nigerians and this aligns seamlessly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, which recognizes that energy is not merely a commodity; it is the backbone of economic growth and job creation."

Adelabu reiterated President Tinubu's unwavering support and commitment to advancing the development of the Nigeria Power Sector last year. He stated that the Nigeria Power Sector was able to achieve the following key milestones:
(i) Development of the National Integrated Electricity
(ii) Leveraged over $1B investment into the sector
(iii) Commenced the process of transitioning the sector to full commercialization
(iv) Average of about 5300MW from 4200MW achieved in the previous year
(v) Over 600MW transmission capacity added through PPI
(vi) NGN 700B raised from FAAC to implement PMI

Speaking further, he outlined the key priorities for government in the power sector for the year 2025 include:
(i) Market Liquidity and Sector Reforms
(ii) Successful States Electricity Implementation
(iii) TCN’s Future
(iv) Mission 300 Implementation

"A key focus of today’s engagement is the role of the private sector in realizing these ambitions. The opportunities within Nigeria’s power sector are vast, spanning from closing transmission and distribution gaps to developing hydropower and integrating large-scale renewables into the grid. We recognize the critical role of private capital, innovation, and expertise in transforming our electricity landscape, and we are committed to fostering an enabling environment for sustainable investment", Adelabu stated.

Chief  Adebayo Adelabu expressed his gratitude to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the UK Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (UKNIAF) and other development partners for their invaluable support in this journey. 

"Your partnership has been instrumental in helping us develop the robust policy and planning frameworks that will shape the future of Nigeria’s energy landscape."

He therefore urged all stakeholders;  government agencies, private investors, and development partners to actively engage in implementing the National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP) and the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). 

"Our success will be measured not just by the documents we produce, but by the real impact they have on access, affordability, and sustainability in the Nigerian power sector." He said.

Earlier at the event which included Ministers from Water Resources, Minister of State, Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, top Government Officials, Chairman and Commissioners of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power, Ambassador Mamuda Mamman disclosed that the gathering was for three significant purposes: the public presentation of the National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP), the formal handover of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2024, and a crucial stakeholder engagement session with the private sector.

The event also has Chief Executives of Power Sector Agencies and development Partners, Captains of Industry and Private Sector Stakeholders in attendance.

According to Amb. Mamman, "the NIEP represents a comprehensive framework designed to guide our nation toward universal electrification, inclusivity, and sustainability. Complementing this, the IRP 2024 provides us with a strategic roadmap to ensure least-cost electrification while aligning with Nigeria's energy transition goals and addressing the challenge of self-generation practices," he said.

"We recognize that policy and planning integration is essential for an efficient, transparent, and investment-friendly power sector. These frameworks have been developed with a clear focus on bridging the persistent gaps in generation, transmission, and distribution, while also ensuring a transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.

"The presence of our esteemed participants today - from government ministries and agencies to private sector stakeholders and development partners - underscores the collaborative approach we are taking to transform Nigeria's power sector. The opportunities before us are vast - from expanding our hydropower capacity to integrating renewable energy sources, and from strengthening our transmission infrastructure to enhancing last-mile distribution."

He acknowledged the invaluable support of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the UK Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (UKNIAF) in making the event possible, stressing that their partnership demonstrates the international community's confidence in Nigeria's power sector reforms.

"A well-structured, resilient, and sustainable power sector is not just a necessity; it is a catalyst for economic growth, industrialization, and improved quality of life for all Nigerians." He stated.

He noted that, "As we navigate the critical next steps in implementing the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), the private sector plays a pivotal role in driving investments, innovation, and efficiency within Nigeria’s power sector.

He therefore called for thought-provoking discussions that will highlight key investment opportunities, identify potential challenges, and explore how the government can create a robust, transparent, and enabling environment to ensure these opportunities are fully optimized for sustainable growth and long-term impact.