The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has cited the activities of bandits and vandals as the primary reasons for the persistent instability in Nigeria’s power sector.
In his New Year message, Adelabu appealed to Nigerians to protect critical power infrastructure, emphasizing the role of host communities in safeguarding the nation’s electricity supply system.
Speaking through a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, the minister expressed frustration over the repeated vandalism of power infrastructure, which he said undermines efforts to achieve stable electricity supply.
“The handiwork of unpatriotic Nigerians, who appear as vandals and bandits, remains the major hindrance to achieving a breakthrough in the nation’s electricity supply,” Adelabu noted.
Adelabu urged Nigerians to demonstrate patriotism by protecting power infrastructure within their communities. According to him, electricity is a fundamental right for all citizens, and its disruption due to vandalism directly impacts households, businesses, and critical institutions.
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“I want to call on all of us to own the power infrastructure in our different communities across the country. In doing this, we can secure and safeguard them,” he said.
The minister acknowledged that despite President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to improving electricity access, saboteurs have continued to target critical infrastructure. These acts, Adelabu explained, have hampered the Federal Government’s efforts to stabilize the electricity grid and meet the promised 6,000 MW power generation target.
“The Federal Government is committed to ensuring regular electricity supply to businesses and households in the country. However, those who do not wish the nation well, such as vandals and saboteurs, went after these national assets,” the statement read.
As part of the government’s renewed strategy for 2025, Adelabu pledged to enhance electricity access through grid and non-grid solutions while prioritizing reforms in the power sector to address challenges faced by tertiary education and health institutions.
“Without electricity supply, there is absolutely nothing we can do. Our industries cannot work. Our educational and health institutions will not function. I therefore wish to plead with our host communities to also own the power infrastructure by protecting them,” he added.
Adelabu emphasized the Federal Government’s determination to fulfill its promises and appealed for collaboration from citizens to ensure the success of ongoing reforms in the sector.
“Let us all be patriotic and appreciate the administration’s desire to provide these assets, especially our transmissions and distribution lines,” he concluded.