Engr. Sale Mamman, Minister of Power, has apologized to Nigerians over recent power outages in the country.

In a Twitter thread on Thursday, the minister said the problem was caused by the breakdown of some of the power plants supplying the country’s electricity.

“I sincerely regret the recent power outages across the nation and the difficulties it has brought with it, and wish to assure my Fellow Nigerians that everyone involved is working assiduously to restore the National grid to its previous historical levels and exceed that. The problem is caused by the breakdown of some National Integrated Power Plants supplying electricity to the national grid,” he said.

I sincerely regret the recent Power outages across the Nation and the difficulties it has brought with it, and wish to assure my Fellow Nigerians that everyone involved is working assiduously to restore the National grid to its previous historical levels and exceed that.

— Engr. Sale Mamman (@EngrSMamman) April 15, 2021

According to the minister, eight power plants — Sapele, Afam, Olonrunsogo, Omotosho, Ibom, Egbin, Alaoji and Ihovbor — have broken down while nine battle one serious challenge or another.

“The Jebba Power Plant was shut down for annual maintenance. Seven other integrated Power plants, namely Geregu, Sepele, Omotosho, Gbarain, Omuku, Paras and Alaoji are experiencing gas constraints while the Shiroro hydroelectric power plant has water management issues,” the minister revealed.

The 17 power plants affected are part of the 23 which make up the national grid network. All sectors of the economy depend on electricity supply from the grid to a large extent. Apart from the social hardships already brought on citizens, there might be severe implications for the nation’s economy.