President Bola Tinubu has approved a N3.3 trillion payment plan to settle longstanding debts in Nigeria’s power sector under the Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme.
The approval was disclosed in a statement signed by the President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday.
The move follows a final review of legacy debts that have plagued the sector for over a decade and is expected to stabilise electricity generation and improve service delivery.
The debts, which accumulated between February 2015 and March 2025, were verified before arriving at the agreed settlement figure.
The statement stated that implementation has already commenced, with several stakeholders in the power value chain beginning to receive payments.
What the presidency is saying
The Federal Government says the initiative is aimed at restoring confidence in the power sector while ensuring improved electricity supply for Nigerians. Officials noted that the programme goes beyond debt settlement and is part of broader reforms to strengthen the industry.
- “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,” said Olu Arowolo-Verheijen, Special Adviser on Energy to President Tinubu.
- “It is part of a broader set of reforms already underway — including better metering and service-based tariffs that link what you pay to the quality of electricity you receive.”
- “The government is also prioritising power supply to businesses, industries, and small enterprises — because reliable electricity is critical to creating jobs, supporting livelihoods, and growing the economy.”
- “The goal is simple: more reliable power for homes, stronger support for businesses, and a system that works better for all Nigerians.”
She added that the reforms are designed to ensure long-term sustainability and efficiency in the power sector.
More Insights
The settlement covers debts accumulated over a 10-year period and is being implemented in phases to ensure transparency and accountability. The government has already taken steps to mobilise funds and begin disbursements to affected stakeholders.
- A total of N3.3 trillion has been agreed as the full and final settlement of the verified legacy debts.
- About 15 power plants have signed settlement agreements valued at N2.3 trillion.
- The Federal Government has raised N501 billion to fund the payments.
- Out of this amount, N223 billion has already been disbursed, with further payments ongoing.
Authorities say the inflow of funds into the power value chain will improve generation capacity and enhance electricity reliability across the country.
What you should know
The debt crisis in Nigeria’s power sector has significantly affected the operations of generation companies, leading to shutdowns and reduced output. The new settlement plan comes amid broader efforts to address liquidity challenges in the industry.
- Nigeria’s GenCos are currently grappling with a N6.8 trillion debt burden, affecting their ability to maintain infrastructure and secure gas supplies.
- In October 2025, the Federal Government concluded frameworks for a N4 trillion government-backed bond to settle arrears owed to GenCos and gas suppliers.
- The proposed bond issuance raised concerns over a debt-for-debt strategy among stakeholders in the sector.
- GenCos have also rejected claims that N2.8 trillion represents a final settlement, describing such reports as misleading.
