Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has unveiled an ambitious plan to convert the nation’s more than 300 underutilised small dams into hubs for electricity generation, with a strong focus on local turbine manufacturing, data integration, and reduced import dependence.

The minister disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during a strategic engagement with top officials of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN). He called for closer collaboration between the ECN and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), stressing that joint research and shared data would unlock long-term solutions for Nigeria’s power challenges.

According to Adelabu, the proposed partnership aligns directly with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to reform the power sector as a catalyst for national economic growth.

Describing hydropower as the most dependable renewable energy source globally, the minister said Nigeria’s scattered dams represent untapped economic assets capable of supplying reliable electricity to local communities.

“Hydropower remains the most stable energy source worldwide. These dams across the states are untapped assets. The real engine of hydropower is the turbine, and Nigeria must begin producing these locally,” Adelabu stated.

He further urged state governments to take greater responsibility across the generation, transmission, and distribution value chain, assuring them of full federal backing.

Adelabu also raised concerns over the foreign exchange pressure caused by imported power components, including meters, noting that expanding local manufacturing would not only conserve forex but also strengthen Nigeria’s export capacity.

To improve planning and coordination, the minister announced plans to establish a centralised power-sector data pool. The platform will integrate data from generation companies (GenCos), distribution companies (DisCos), regulators, and other stakeholders, enabling evidence-based decision-making.

He added that the ECN would now participate in the quarterly Power Sector Working Group, ensuring stronger alignment between research institutions and policymaking bodies.“Planning without data is impossible. When data is missing, progress stalls,” Adelabu warned.

Responding, ECN Director-General, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, reaffirmed the commission’s readiness to work closely with the Ministry of Power, pledging full support for initiatives aimed at delivering the administration’s economic transformation and energy access goals.