afrol News, 23 February - Nigerian authorities have appealed to all gas and oil firms to back the government in fighting the looming power crisis in the West Africa state.

The country's acting president, Goodluck Jonathan said both the government and oil and gas firms have an obligation to ensure the smooth delivery of power to the Nigerian people.

"A situation where a majority of Nigerians are denied power supply which oil companies can guarantee through a regular supply of gas is not acceptable," Mr Jonathan said.

Earlier this month, the government approved a multi-billion hydro electricity dam project in Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State for enhanced supply of power.

The approval of the power generation comes barely a week after Nigeria’s power utility company shut down four power plants due to gas shortages in the country.

Nigeria, which has been experiencing power outages in some parts of the country, the situation may get worse as gas shortages plague the power production firm in the country. The power generation has dropped to 2 700 Mw from 3 710Mw at the end of last year.

The power shortages have been widely blamed on the inadequate gas supply to the various thermal plants leading to the drastic short-fall in power generation countrywide.

Corruption, inefficiency, dilapidated equipment and particularly attacks on gas and oil pipelines and plants by militants in the Niger Delta have also badly affected power generation and distribution in the past years.

A nation of more than 140 million people is expected to feel the hitch with the inadequate gas supply that has led to a loss of over 80110Mw.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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