The federal government is exploring solutions to tariff-related issues affecting gas supply and payment systems for major thermal power plants operated under the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
This was revealed in a statement on Wednesday by Louis Mbah, spokesperson for the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, following a high-level meeting held at the NNPC Towers in Abuja.
Present at the meeting were Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; 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.
During the meeting, the NNPC team raised concerns over operational risks linked to delayed payments and tariff shortfalls under the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading framework, warning that unresolved issues could lead to power supply disruptions in key regions.
In his comments, Ekpo emphasized the urgent need to resolve the challenges to ensure that Nigeria’s gas-to-power infrastructure delivers its expected economic and social benefits.
He stressed that stable power generation is critical for regional stability and industrial growth, especially in Maiduguri and Kano, and for boosting national grid contributions from the Okpai Phase 2 Independent Power Plant.
Meanwhile, Edun urged stakeholders to work together in developing a sustainable financial model that ensures the operational viability of the power plants while promoting economic growth and strengthening the national grid.
The statement noted that participants resolved to hold a follow-up meeting with the Minister of Power to develop concrete solutions within a short period, aimed at ensuring the continued efficient operation of the affected power plants.
