President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a landmark ₦3.3 trillion payment plan aimed at resolving long-standing debts in Nigeria’s power sector, in a move expected to significantly improve electricity supply across the country.
The approval, announced in a State House press release dated April 5, 2026, is part of the Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme, targeting liabilities that have accumulated over a decade.
Clearing a Decade-Long Burden
According to the statement, the debts incurred between February 2015 and March 2025, have been a major constraint on Nigeria’s electricity value chain. Following a comprehensive verification process, the Federal Government agreed on ₦3.3 trillion as a full and final settlement.
So far, implementation is already underway. Fifteen power generation companies have signed settlement agreements totaling ₦2.3 trillion. The government has raised ₦501 billion to kick-start the process, with ₦223 billion already disbursed and additional payments in progress.
What It Means for Nigerians
The settlement is expected to stabilize power generation and improve electricity reliability nationwide. By ensuring that key players, especially power plants and gas suppliers receive overdue payments, the government aims to restore operational efficiency within the sector.
Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Arowolo-Verheijen, emphasized that the initiative goes beyond debt repayment.
“This programme is not just about settling legacy debts. It is about restoring confidence across the power sector, ensuring gas suppliers are paid, power plants can keep running, and the system begins to work more reliably,” she stated.
Driving Economic Growth Through Power Stability
The reform is part of a broader strategy that includes improved metering systems and service-based tariffs designed to align electricity costs with the quality of service delivered.
The administration is also prioritizing electricity supply to businesses, industries, and small enterprises, recognizing the critical role of stable power in job creation and economic growth.
“The goal is simple: more reliable power for homes, stronger support for businesses, and a system that works better for all Nigerians,” Arowolo-Verheijen added.
Next Phase Begins Soon
President Tinubu commended stakeholders for their cooperation in addressing the sector’s legacy challenges and confirmed that the next phase of the programme, Series II will commence later this quarter.
The move signals a renewed commitment by the Federal Government to overhaul Nigeria’s power infrastructure and deliver lasting solutions to one of the nation’s most persistent challenges.

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