FG Begins Clearing Power Equipment Abandoned at Nigerian Ports for Over a Decade

The Federal Government has commenced efforts to recover hundreds of containers of electricity equipment that have remained stranded at Nigerian ports for years, with some dating back to 2014, in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s power infrastructure and improving electricity supply.

Acting on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive, the Federal Ministry of Power has secured the release of the first 44 containers from Apapa Port, Lagos, out of more than 300 containers of electrical equipment awaiting clearance.

Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, disclosed this following the recent Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja.

According to the Minister, President Tinubu directed the Ministry to collaborate with the Nigeria Customs Service and Nigerian Ports Authority to resolve longstanding administrative and financial bottlenecks responsible for the delays, including the reconciliation of outstanding port charges.

“The release of the first 44 containers represents significant progress in our determination to recover critical power assets and accelerate infrastructure development,” the Minister stated.

He explained that technical experts would assess the recovered equipment to determine its condition and suitability for deployment, with serviceable assets integrated into ongoing power projects while unserviceable items would be appropriately disposed of.

The development follows earlier recovery efforts by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), under the leadership of Engr. Jennifer Adighije, which reportedly retrieved 110 abandoned containers and 216 packages, saving over ₦30 billion and facilitating the recovery of turbines associated with approximately 470 megawatts of generation capacity.

The latest intervention underscores the Tinubu administration’s commitment to unlocking stranded public investments, strengthening electricity infrastructure, and addressing bottlenecks affecting power delivery nationwide.

With sustained inter-agency collaboration, the Federal Government aims to convert long-idle equipment into productive assets capable of supporting improved electricity supply to Nigerian homes and businesses.