By Oke Peter
The federal government’s recent decision to pay ₦185 billion owed to gas suppliers is an important step toward improving Nigeria’s troubled power sector. For years, gas producers have complained that unpaid debts made it difficult for them to continue supplying gas to power plants. This shortage has been one of the major reasons electricity generation has remained low, leaving homes and businesses in darkness.
By approving the payment of this long-standing debt, the government is sending a signal that it wants to restore confidence in the gas-to-power value chain. Gas suppliers who had slowed operations because of financial strain can now begin to increase production. In turn, power plants may finally get the steady gas supply they need to generate more electricity. If everything goes according to plan, Nigerians could see some improvement in power supply in the coming months.
However, while this move is commendable, it is not enough on its own. What Nigerians need now is assurance that the money will be used properly and that it will truly lead to better electricity for the people. Too often, large government interventions are announced with excitement but fail to produce real results because of poor monitoring, weak accountability, or lack of transparency.
To avoid repeating the mistakes of the past, the federal government must closely track how this ₦185 billion is disbursed and what impact it produces. The public deserves to know which companies are being paid, how much each receives, and what deliverables they commit to after receiving the funds. Gas suppliers must be held responsible for increasing supply to power plants once they are paid. Power-generation companies must also be held accountable for improving output when gas becomes available.
Clear expectations and measurable targets are essential. Nigerians should not be left guessing whether the payment made any difference. The government should publish periodic updates showing progress — how much gas is now being supplied, how many power plants are benefiting, and whether electricity generation has increased. These updates should be easy for the public to understand, not buried in technical reports that only industry insiders can interpret.
There is also a need for independent oversight. Civil-society groups, energy experts, and the media should be encouraged to scrutinise the process and raise concerns where necessary. When the public is involved, it becomes harder for mismanagement or diversion of funds to go unnoticed. Transparency will also help rebuild trust between the government, investors, and the Nigerian people.
The ultimate goal is simple: better electricity supply. Businesses struggling with high generator costs, small shops that depend on power to stay open, students who need light to study, and households tired of constant outages all deserve to feel the positive impact of this intervention. The ₦185 billion payment should not be another policy announcement that fades without results. It must translate into real, measurable improvements in the daily lives of Nigerians.
This moment presents an opportunity for the federal government to show that it is serious about reforming the power sector — not through talk, but through action backed by transparency. If monitored properly, this debt-settlement can unlock more investment, strengthen the gas supply chain, and boost electricity generation. But if handled carelessly, it risks becoming just another line in the long history of unfulfilled promises within the sector.
The government has taken a positive step. Now it must follow through with strict accountability, constant monitoring, and open communication with the public. Nigerians are watching closely, and they deserve to see results from this significant financial commitment.
