The Federal Government is considering a range of financial and policy interventions to address tariff-related challenges affecting gas supply and payments for key thermal power plants operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

The discussions took place during a high-level meeting at NNPC Towers in Abuja, attended by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; and representatives of NNPC Ltd, including Executive Vice-President, Gas, Power and New Energy, Salihu Jamari.

According to a statement from the office of the gas minister, the talks focused on payment shortfalls and tariff gaps under the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) framework, which have raised operational concerns for the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant, Okpai Independent Power Plant Phase 2, and Kano IPP Phase 1.

The NNPC delegation reportedly warned that if unresolved, the issues could lead to disruptions in power supply to strategic parts of the country.

Minister Ekpo stressed the importance of restoring financial stability in the gas-to-power value chain, particularly in ensuring that investments in power generation deliver both economic and social returns. He highlighted the role of steady power supply in promoting regional stability and industrial activity in Maiduguri and Kano, and contributing to the national grid through the Okpai facility.

Finance Minister Edun called for a coordinated approach among all stakeholders to establish a sustainable payment structure that supports the ongoing operation of the affected power plants while reinforcing national economic priorities.

It was agreed that a follow-up session involving the Minister of Power would be convened to develop concrete steps toward a solution within a short timeframe.