The federal government says it is considering measures to address tariff-related challenges impacting gas supply and payment frameworks for key thermal power plants led by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.
According to a statement on Wednesday by Louis Mbah, spokesperson for Ekperikpe Ekpo, minister of state for petroleum resources (gas), the plan was discussed during a high-level meeting at NNPC Towers, Abuja.
Present at the meeting were Ekpo, Wale Edun, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, and NNPC leadership, represented by Salihu Jamari, executive vice-president, gas, power, and new energy.
“The meeting focused on urgent financial and policy interventions to resolve tariff-related issues impacting the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant, Okpai Independent Power Plant (IPP) Phase 2, and Kano IPP Phase 1,” the statement reads.
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At the meeting, the NNPC team highlighted operational risks stemming from delayed payments and tariff gaps under the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) framework, warning of potential disruptions to power supply in critical regions if unresolved.
On his part, Ekpo underscored the urgency of addressing the issues to ensure Nigeria’s gas-to-power infrastructure achieves its intended economic and social benefits.
He emphasised that reliable power generation is essential for regional stability and industrial development, particularly in Maiduguri and Kano, as well as enhancing national grid contributions from Okpai Phase 2 IPP.
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Also speaking, Edun called for collaboration among stakeholders to design a sustainable financial model that safeguards the operational viability of the power plants while fostering economic growth and national grid stability.
According to the statement, participants resolved to convene a follow-up meeting with the minister of power to develop actionable solutions within a short timeline, aimed at sustaining the optimal operation of the affected power plants.
