The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has reassured Nigerians of his dedication to improving electricity supply across the country. Speaking on the Ministry of Power’s 2025 budget allocation, Adelabu addressed controversies surrounding the N8bn set aside for advocacy efforts.
He clarified that the funds are targeted at combating vandalism, raising public awareness, and safeguarding power infrastructure, rather than sensitising citizens about electricity bill payments, as some had claimed on social media.
Adelabu noted that the persistent problem of vandalism has disrupted power supply in various regions, causing widespread outages and financial strain on the sector.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, the minister was quoted as saying, “Far from what is being circulated, the Federal Government is deeply concerned about the acts of sabotage that have eroded the gains in electricity supply. The N8bn budget allocation is targeted at sensitising Nigerians to protect and take ownership of national power assets.”
The minister detailed plans for a nationwide advocacy campaign, which will span Nigeria’s 36 states and 774 local government areas. Efforts will include town hall meetings, collaboration with community leaders, and engagement through various media platforms such as radio, television, newspapers, social media, and billboards. Adelabu explained that the initiative aims to educate citizens about the consequences of vandalism and encourage them to view power infrastructure as shared community assets.
Adelabu also revealed that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects would be introduced in communities hosting power installations. Additionally, local hunters and security personnel would be enlisted to help safeguard these critical infrastructures. He cited past incidents, such as the N9bn spent by the Transmission Company of Nigeria to repair vandalised towers and lines on the Shiroro-Mando-Kaduna line, as examples of the high costs associated with repairs.
On grid stability, the minister stated that the government has made significant progress under initiatives like the Siemens project. The first phase, which is 95% complete, has seen the installation of eight power transformers and five mobile substations. Plans are also underway for the project’s second phase, which will include constructing 14 brownfield substations and 20 greenfield substations. SCADA upgrades are ongoing to improve grid management and reduce system failures.
Adelabu further noted that since the current administration came into office, power generation has increased by over 1,000 megawatts, reaching a peak of 5,528MW—a three-year high. He reiterated the government’s commitment to making electricity a fundamental right for all Nigerians, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s campaign promises.
“Nigeria cannot afford to lag in the global energy transition. We are determined to address these issues and provide efficient, effective, and uninterrupted power supply to Nigerians,” Adelabu noted.
