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Tag: Adebayo Adelabu

  • Adelabu: Ongoing power sector improvement tip of the iceberg

    Adelabu: Ongoing power sector improvement tip of the iceberg

    Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu has described the ongoing improvement in power supply across the country as a tip of the iceberg compared with what is to come in the next few years.

    He said the current administration of President Bola Tinubu is already fixing the foundational structural issues which have bedeviled the power sector over the years.

    The minister spoke in an interview shortly after observing the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at the Agodi Prayer Ground, Ibadan, yesterday.

    He expressed optimism that in the next few years, the sector will deliver far more improved service which will see power supply serving every Nigerian home, businesses, institutions and industries.

    Adelabu said, “Let me say that, the biggest room in the world is the room for improvement. Rome was not built in a day. And for you to build a solid building, there must be a very solid and reliable foundation. The power sector had some serious foundational structural issues which we have been able to correct with this administration.

    “The little improvement that you have seen is just a tip of the iceberg. You still witness major improvement in power supply.

    “Our president has promised that he is going to light up the entire country. He is not relenting of that promise. He still reiterated it yesterday at the ceremony we had in Port Harcourt where we commissioned a power plant.

    “He said his major objective is to make sure that he electrifies every Nigerian home, household, businesses, institutions and industries. And I can tell you that we are not relenting. What you have seen is just one and a half years.

    “I resumed this job in September 2023. This is just end of May and you have seen a little. I promise you that within the next one year, you are going to see major improvement that will develop our industries, that will resuscitate our small and cottage businesses, that will bring happiness back to homes where everywhere is lit up and there will not be darkness.”

    He said Oyo State too will soon witness another level of serve delivery in the sector as the Federal Government recently concession the Ikere Gorge Dam to improve supply.

    “And in Oyo State, we have so much potential and we have done so much. We just witnessed the Ikere Gorge hydro power plant which we just concessioned. This started in 1979. It was abandoned. But, we got it and we said we must bring light back to Oke Ogun, light back to Oyo State. So we have been able to achieve it.

    Read Also: Nigeria needs $10bn annually to fix power sector crisis – Adelabu

    “You have seen a lot of substations approved for Oyo State under the administration of President Tinubu. They say charity begins at home, Oyo State must witness improved lights, improved power supply.

    “But I am appealing to our people that they should just trust us, they should be patient and retain the confidence and Nigeria, Oyo State will never remain the same. As you heard, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is going to light up the entire Nigeria and Oyo State will also witness it.”

    Speaking on the importance of the festivity, the Minister appealled to Nigerians not to lose the lesson of this celebration of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

    Noting that the festivity is about sacrifice, peace and loving each other, the minister said these virtues are essential for the sake of national peace, development and prosperity.

  • N200b monthly electricity subsidy unsustainable, says minister

    N200b monthly electricity subsidy unsustainable, says minister

    • DisCos still weak despite Band A tariff

    The Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu has again cried out over the unsustainability of the Federal Government payment of electricity subsidy, noting it is now rising to N200 billion monthly.

    According to him, owing to subsidy backlog, the government’s indebtedness to the electricity Generation Companies (GenCos) has now reached N4 trillion, including the N1.94 trillion for 2024 alone.

    He insisted that retaining the current tariffs is unsustainable as it is draining the public funds that are needed to upgrade infrastructure.

    Adelabu spoke at the weekend during a two-day retreat organised by the Senate Committee on Power, according to a press statement endorsed by his Strategic Communication and Media Relations, Mr Bolaji Tunji.

    Adelabu said: “The sector also faces a N4 trillion subsidy backlog owed to generation companies, including N1.94 trillion for 2024 alone. With monthly subsidy shortfalls now hitting N200 billion, the Minister warned that maintaining current tariffs is “unsustainable,” straining public funds needed for infrastructure upgrades.

     “To salvage the sector, we will soon embark on restructuring underperforming DisCos and tightening enforcement of performance benchmarks.

    However,  without urgent capital injection into distribution networks, gains in generation—including a historic 6,003MW output in March 2025—and transmission upgrades, such as 61 new transformers deployed in 2024, will fail to translate to reliable household supply.”

    Adelabu spoke on the persistent crisis threatening to derail progress.

     In the sector which is  chronic underinvestment in distribution infrastructure, which continues to cripple service delivery nationwide in spite of  landmark reforms in the electricity sector.

    The Minister revealed glaring disparities in distribution company (DisCo) performance, with ageing networks, rampant electricity theft, and poor investment deepening reliance on unsustainable subsidies and leaving millions in darkness.

    Read Also: Electricity subsidy hits N2.4 trillion

    “We need to get tough with the DisCos, as they can easily frustrate all the gains we have made.  They have disappointed us in performance expectations. Whatever we do in generation does not mean anything to consumers if it is frustrated at the distribution points,” he said.

    He noted that in 2003 restructuring of the sector, the DisCos were supposed to have technical partners, but a lot of them showed partnership with foreign companies for that purpose which lasted for about three months, immediately they took over, those companies left. “So we need utility companies that can invest in the sector to improve infrastructure, improve service. A lot of them went to the banks to take loans to buy the assets, after taking over, instead of providing infrastructure they are taking out the money to pay the loans,” he said.

    According to the Minister, despite tariff adjustments that boosted market liquidity by 70 per cent—raising sector revenue from N1 trillion in 2023 to N1.7 trillion in 2024—the distribution segment remains the weakest link.

    “In the fourth quarter of 2024, DisCos in the North remitted just N124.4 billion (30 per cent) of their N408.86 billion invoice, with Abuja DisCo accounting for 85 per cent of Northern payments. Southern DisCos fared slightly better, remitting ₦254.6 billion (67 per cent), though 70 per cent of this came from Lagos DisCos alone.  These discrepancies are due largely to crumbling infrastructure outside economic hubs, where underinvestment has left networks dilapidated,” he said.

    Adelabu noted that the metering gap, a key driver of revenue loss and consumer distrust, underscores systemic neglect adding that the government has launched a N700 billion Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) and a World Bank-backed program targeting 4.3 million meters by 2025, 75,000 units were deployed in April 2024 while additional 200, 000 is expected in May. “Closing this gap is fundamental to fair billing and financial sustainability,” the Minister acknowledged, “but  we are not there yet due to underinvestment and operational inefficiencies.”

    The minister highlighted plans to attract private investment into grid infrastructure and regionalize transmission networks to reduce failure risks noting that the 70 per cent remittance by the two DisCos in Lagos reflects better infrastructure than what obtains in the northern networks.

    The Minister also spoke of plans to boost power supply in the Northern part of the country. “We are looking at developing Makurdi hydropower project which is about 1000 megawatts. We also want to revitalize Kaduna thermal plants which has been abandoned for the past five years, it is a 215 megawatts capacity plant and is presently at about 87 percent completion. Efforts are on presently to restore this power plant,” he said.

    Adelabu said the state government has expressed interest in taking over the Katsina windfarm with an installed capacity of 10 megawatts (Mw). “The State government has expressed desire to take this up with some private investors and we have commissioned a feasibility study to concession the farm which had been abandoned for a while,” Adelabu said.

    The minister however called on the National Assembly to enact stricter legislation aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s power infrastructure from acts of vandalism. Emphasizing the need for enhanced legal measures, Adelabu stressed that robust laws are critical to deterring the destruction of vital energy assets and ensuring the stability of the nation’s electricity supply.

     According to him, vandalism should not be treated as a civil offence but a criminal issue adding that power theft , nonpayment of bills by consumers, illegal connections are critical factors that need to be tackled.

    Adelabu acknowledged that in spite of the challenges, the grid has been stabilized as the country has not witnessed any grid collapse since the beginning of the year.

    ”The level of stability on our grid today is not by accident but hard work and expenditure. In 2024, TCN installed 61 new transformers by either replacing  aged one  or building new one. Also in 2025, within the first four months, TCN installed about 13 new transformers and there are high-capacity transformers ranging from 10 megawatts to 300Mw. Put together, they run into hundreds of million dollars to install and these are what our people still go out to vandalize.

    “Our towers are toppled by saboteurs and vandals, we have illegal connections, and people tampering with meters,” he said: The Minister urged appropriate legislation and  public vigilance to protect “national assets that belong to every Nigerian. We need more stringent legislation to tackle this problem,” he said.

    The Minister also made a case for the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in appropriation adding that the agency does not have enough money to fund its operations.“ They are short of funds, they operate solely on their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) which has been nose diving over the years. What they get monthly cannot even pay their salary not to talk of maintaining ageing infrastructure, expanding transmission networks. There should be a way to accommodate TCN in appropriation,” he said.

  • Metering quagmire

    Metering quagmire

    With about seven million consumers without meters, this is about the most pressing issue in the power sector

    It is understandable that many Nigerians took the announcement by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, to the effect that electricity consumers should brace up for cost-reflective tariffs with skepticism. In the first place, many Nigerians are unaware of the government subsidies on power, but feel that already, the supply is largely insufficient and the tariffs very high. Secondly, they do not think the so-called appropriate tariff is possible in a situation where more than half of the over 13 million electricity consumers are still on estimated billing, 11 years after privatisation.

    Modern economies are run with electricity-powered infrastructure and other equipment generated through various means; hydro and thermal sources, solar, wind and even in some cases, human wastes. The availability of electricity in countries depends on how many of the sources they can fund and manage. Effective management is always key to perfect output.

    Yet, Nigeria, despite its population and economy has been lagging behind in the electricity sector. And it has been like that for decades, despite various forms of reforms and interventions in the sector.

    Since its inception in 1950, the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN) had metamorphosed into the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), to Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), to the present unbundling and privatisation of the sector into generation, (GenCos), transmission and distribution (DisCos) companies, with the government holding on to the transmission rights for national security.

    However, the Ministry of Power still oversees the activities of the sector to ensure functionality and national cohesion.

    Regrettably, the Nigerian economy has been referred to by some smaller African countries as ‘generator economy’ owing to the fact that Nigeria is possibly the country with the highest number of electricity generating sets, both for households and industries. In fact, the provision of adequate electricity has been campaign issues by successive governments, with little to show for the efforts. In some ways, Nigerians complain and see themselves as having been failed by successive governments in the power sector. There is a seeming righteous indignation by citizens when they complain that electricity tariffs do not match supply and international standards of billing.

    Despite the fact that the Goodluck Jonathan administration felt that privatising the sector would solve the problems, 11 years after, not much seems to have changed. Electricity supply to homes and other sectors is still a serious issue today.

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    That explained the skepticism of Nigerians when told about the need for electricity subsidies to end.  Even though the minister said that government would find a way of still subsidising for the economically disadvantaged Nigerians, many small scale businesses and big manufacturing outfits are complaining of the cost of production of goods and services. In fact, many have either left the country or closed down businesses, increasing unemployment.

    While we agree with government that a lot of money needs to be invested in the power sector for desired results, we equally understand that a lot of policy and core administrative issues must be sorted first.

    The metering process is still chaotic. Many consumers are still bogged down with the frustrating process of meter procurement. We should not be having more than half of electricity consumers without meters; that is about seven million metering gap, if the DisCos are truly interested in facilitating the process of meter acquisition. So, government must ensure that the DisCos do the needful so that the obnoxious estimated billing method can be a thing of the past. It must invest in local companies for meter procurement. It must invest hugely in infrastructure generally to facilitate improved output.

    Moreover, the government must ensure synergy between the different power stakeholders while regulatory agencies must do their jobs effectively.

    The Federal Government must however be commended for making it easier now for states to generate their own power through decentralization; but more effort must be put into making sure that consumers pay only for what they consume. The system must be overhauled to deliver service that consumers would be happy to pay for.

  • Group knocks cleric for prophesying against Adelabu

    Group knocks cleric for prophesying against Adelabu

    A group, Oyo State Voluntary Campaigners (OSVC), has knocked Primate Elijah Ayodele of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Lagos, for prophesying against the 2027 governorship ambition of the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu.

    It described Ayodele as an attention seeker.

    Recall that the cleric, in an interview with a media house, said: “In Oyo State, there’s growing unrest. Muslims are preparing for a political showdown. The people of Oke-Ogun will challenge Ibadan’s dominance. Adebayo Adelabu cannot become governor.’’

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    But the Chairman of OSVC, Dr. Paul Atiba, in a statement said Primate Ayodele’s prophecies were always based on interest.

    The group said: ‘’Most prophecies of the cleric are usually targeting people in position of authority, hence the need for Nigerians to ignore him.

    “Evidence has shown that the cleric’s prophecies are always targeted at politicians.

    “Adelabu remains an anointed candidate in God’s eye and 1,000 blackmailers in the society will never be able to stop him.

    “In 2027, the voice of the people will definitely be the voice of God. We believe the mandate God has given Adelabu in 2027 is sacrosanct. No prophecy can change it, with God on our side. We are good to go.’’

  • Adelabu urges Nigerians to embrace cost-reflective tariff

    Adelabu urges Nigerians to embrace cost-reflective tariff

    …says economy can’t sustain subsidies indefinitely

    …pledged immediate action to settle N4tr debt

    The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has urged Nigerians to embrace cost-reflective tariffs.

    He said the economy cannot sustain the payment of subsidies indefinitely.

    He made this known while meeting with the Chairman of Generating Companies of Nigeria (GenCos), Dr. Joy Ogaji in Abuja.

    This was contained in a press statement his special adviser, strategic communications and media relations, Bolaji Tunji, issued on Sunday.

    The statement noted that “He (Adelabu) emphasised the need for full liberalisation of the power sector, urging Nigerians to embrace cost-reflective tariffs.”

    It also quoted the minister as saying

     “Citizens must pay the appropriate price for the energy consumed. The Federal Government will continue to provide targeted subsidies for economically disadvantaged Nigerians. We have to understand that our economy cannot sustain subsidies indefinitely.”

    The statement said the federal government has vowed to urgently address the N4 trillion debt crippling Nigeria’s power generation sector.

    The move aims to avert an imminent collapse of the power infrastructure in the country.

    The Minister assured GenCos executives that the government would prioritise immediate payment of a significant amount out of the N4b debt, while the balance would be defrayed through other debt instruments.

    He said this would be proposed in a meeting being planned between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and GenCos’ leadership.

    “There is a need to pay a substantial amount of the debt in cash. At the minimum, let us pay a substantial amount, then ask for a debt instrument in promissory notes to pay the rest”.

    He assured the payment of the outstanding balance within six months through financial instruments such as promissory notes.

    “We recognise the urgency of this matter. The government is committed to resolving this debt to stabilise the sector and prevent further crisis,” Adelabu stated, adding that President Bola Tinubu would meet with GenCos leadership to fast-track the process. 

    The GenCoS was led by the Chairman of Mainstream Energy Solutions, who is also the Chairman of the Association of Power Generating Companies (APGA), Col. Sani Bello, who had earlier sounded the alarm over the sector’s dire state, citing the N4 trillion debt as a critical threat to operations. He also warned that liquidity challenges had left GenCos unable to secure loans or maintain infrastructure. “Without urgent intervention, the entire power ecosystem could collapse,” he stressed. 

    Kola Adesina, Chairman of Egbin Power and First Independent Power Limited, echoed the urgency: “This is a national emergency. Everything hinges on power—industries, homes, hospitals. We cannot afford to let the sector fail.” 

    Adelabu acknowledged the government’s role in the sector’s struggles, pledging to not only clear the debt but also implement reforms to ease operational bottlenecks.

     Meanwhile, Ogaji detailed systemic challenges undermining GenCos, including chronic payment defaults, erratic gas supply, and foreign exchange volatility. She noted that the naira’s plunge from ₦157/$1 in 2013 to ₦1,600/$1 had devastated maintenance budgets and loan repayments. “GenCos have borne unsustainable risks—from grid failures to unproductive taxes—while remaining patriotic,” she said. 

    The Minister outlined plans to transition the sector toward sustainability, including regulatory reviews to reduce levies and enhance market stability. He also urged GenCos to collaborate on advocacy efforts to educate Nigerians on efficient electricity use and tariff realities.  

  • National Grid: Govt sets terms for willing investors

    National Grid: Govt sets terms for willing investors

    The Federal Government is developing investment framework to channel private funding into the expansion and stabilization of the national grid, as part of efforts to ensure stable and adequate electricity supply.

    Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, in an exclusive interview yesterday, said that the government has started developing terms and guidelines that will serve as the framework for private sector’s participation in the transmission system.

    According to him, the framework is being built on a win-win model, allowing the government to secure ample funding for the national grid, while ensuring investors have opportunity to recover their investments and competitive returns.

    He said: “Some investors have indicated interest in building transmission lines, but we are working on putting a proper framework in place that would allow the private investor to recover cost. This is now the next step to create a framework that would allow private investors to recover costs on a commercial basis.

    “We have commissioned studies to invite private investors. So lastly, we are discussing establishing frameworks for private sector participation in investment in the national grid. The end of this year is here.

    “We have various offers from private investors. National grid is owned 100 per cent by government. But I can tell you, with other ministries competing for funds, we cannot fund the national grid alone.

    “It is an expanded national grid. If you look at the grid, it is too large, and there are some dedicated lines which some private investors have expressed interest”.

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    Adelabu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media, Bolaji Tunji, also yesterday highlighted several milestones that have been recorded under the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI).

    He said several interventions by the President Bola Tinubu-led administration have helped to further galvanise the PPI project, known as Siemens deal.

    According to him, the Tinubu government has added fillip to the Siemens Power Project as an accelerated contract was signed to ensure visible progress in the project.

    He said: “The Presidential Power Initiative was conceived in August 2018, born from the strong bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Germany, with the goal of transforming Nigeria’s power sector by increasing generation, transmission, and distribution capacity. This administration, under the leadership of President Tinubu, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the PPI, recognizing its critical importance to opening up the economy and galvanising national development. 

    “To ensure the expeditious delivery of improved power supply to industrial clusters, households, and businesses, President Tinubu mandated the signing of an Acceleration Agreement. This commitment has translated into tangible results. Under the present administration, leadership, strengthened programme governance has expedited contract and financing approvals, leading to faster project implementation”.

    He outlined some of the milestones under the present administration apart from the execution of an Acceleration Agreement with Siemens Energy to fast-track the implementation of the PPI,  include the approval of  a new technical direction for the PPI, ensuring Siemens Energy focuses solely on upgrading and modernizing the transmission subsector through a Turnkey approach while the President also  approved that the distribution scope be delivered by other reputable Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) Companies with the requisite technical, financial, and financing capacity. 

    He pointed out that these strategic decisions were aimed at increasing grid capacity by an additional 4,000MW by the end of 2026, with an aspirational target of an additional 2,000MW, as directed by the Economic Management Team in 2024.

    Said he: ”Noteworthy is the fact that the implementation of the PPI commenced with the  installation and commissioning of 10 power transformers and 10 mobile substations across the country under the pilot phase of the PPI, which was manufactured and delivered in October 2023. In 2024, there was a focus on the implementation of the pilot project and the project initiation activities of the main phase of the PPI. 

    “Also under the administration, FGN Power Company implemented several transmission projects across the country, which have collectively increased the transmission wheeling capacity by over 700MW for industrial clusters, businesses, universities, and homes”.

  • Power minister seeks U.S. collaboration with Africa to end energy poverty

    Power minister seeks U.S. collaboration with Africa to end energy poverty

    Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu has called for a strengthened collaboration between the United States (U.S.) and Africa to tackle energy poverty, drive sustainable development and foster economic growth.

    A statement issued his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications Bolaji Tunji said Adelabu spoke while delivering a keynote address at the 10th Powering Africa Summit (PAS25) held in Washington D.C., U.S..

    The summit, with the theme: “The Future of the U.S. and Africa Energy Partnership,” was sponsored by Sun Africa and held last week.

    The summit brought together African leaders, global investors, and energy sector experts.

    The statement reads: “The outcomes of the summit include a platform for building strategic relationships with global investors and industry leaders.

    “Additionally, the summit highlighted policy frameworks to support the growth of Africa’s energy sector.

    “The summit also highlighted the immense potential for strengthening U.S.-Africa partnerships to drive progress in the global energy landscape.”

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    The minister emphasised the significant progress achieved through initiatives such as Power Africa, which had played a pivotal role in expanding electricity access, mobilising investments, and supporting policy reforms across Nigeria and the African continent.

    Adelabu commended the inauguration of “Mission 300,” an ambitious initiative aimed at providing 300 million Africans with electricity access by 2030.

    He canvassed stronger partnerships among stakeholders to achieve this goal, underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging technology transfer, infrastructure development, and capacity building to accelerate the energy transition and drive economic growth.

    During the summit, the minister also met with the U.S. Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright, who reaffirmed U.S. commitment to partnering with Africa to tackle energy poverty and promote sustainable development.

    Wright expressed his country’s enthusiasm to deepen collaboration in renewable energy, off-grid solutions, as well as private-sector investments.

  • Adelabu condemns attack on Ikeja DisCo

    Adelabu condemns attack on Ikeja DisCo

    Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu has expressed grave concern while condemning the yesterday attack by personnel of the Nigeria Airforce on the headquarters and facilities of the Ikeja Electric Distribution Company (IKEDC) which left several injured, facilities and equipment vandalised.

    A statement by the Special Adviser, Strategic Communications to the Minister, Bolaji Tunji said the attack calls for concern in view of the ramifications, adding that the current democratic practice has appropriate channels for conflict resolutions rather than resorting to self-help.

    “The attack on the facilities of Ikeja Electric, one of our nation’s critical power distribution companies, by the Nigerian Airforce is unfortunate and  a matter of grave concern to our nation while standing  totally condemned”.

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     “This unfortunate incident has also raised serious questions about the need for restraint, dialogue, and the use of appropriate democratic channels in resolving conflicts”.

    The Minister noted that the power sector is the lifeblood of the nation’s economy and a cornerstone of national development. “Any attack on its infrastructure is an attack on the progress and well-being of our people. The facilities of Ikeja Electric, which serve millions of Nigerians, were designed to ensure the efficient distribution of electricity to homes, hospitals, schools, and industries including military installations. This incident has set back our efforts to achieve stable and uninterrupted power supply, and it is a blow to the collective aspirations of our nation”.

    Adelabu emphasized that no grievance, no matter how legitimate, justify the destruction of public infrastructure. “Such actions are counterproductive and only serve to exacerbate the challenges we face as a nation. We must always remember that violence and destruction are not the answer to our problems. Instead, we must embrace dialogue, understanding, and the rule of law as the only viable means of resolving conflicts.

    “I call on all parties involved to exercise restraint and to seek peaceful and democratic means of addressing all issues that may have led to this unfortunate incident. Our democracy provides us with the tools and institutions necessary to resolve disputes without resorting to violence. We have the judiciary, the legislature, and various regulatory bodies that are empowered to mediate and adjudicate conflicts. It is imperative that we utilize these channels to ensure that justice is served and that such incidents do not recur”.

    The Minister urged the Nigerian Airforce  to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and to ensure that its operations are conducted with utmost regard for the welfare of civilians and public infrastructure. “The military is a vital institution in our nation, and its role in maintaining peace and security cannot be overstated. However, it is equally important that all actions taken by our armed forces are proportionate, targeted, and in line with the principles of democracy and the rule of law”.

    Adelabu also commended the staff and management of Ikeja electricity distribution company for their resilience in the face of provocation. “Your comportment in the face of this adversity are a testament to your dedication to serving the Nigerian people. The Federal Ministry of Power stands ready to support you in any way possible to ensure that normalcy is restored as quickly as possible”.

  • Adelabu condemns attack on Ikeja DisCo

    Adelabu condemns attack on Ikeja DisCo

    Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu has condemned yesterday’s attack by personnel of the Nigeria Air Force on the headquarters and facilities of the Ikeja Electric Distribution Company (IKEDC) which left several injured, facilities and equipment vandalised.

    A statement by the Special Adviser, Strategic Communications to the Minister, Bolaji Tunji said the attack calls for concern in view of the ramifications, adding that the current democratic practice has appropriate channels for conflict resolutions rather than resorting to self help.

    “The attack on the facilities of Ikeja Electric, one of our nation’s critical power distribution companies, by the Nigerian Airforce is unfortunate and a matter of grave concern to our nation while standing totally condemned”.

    “This unfortunate incident has also raised serious questions about the need for restraint, dialogue, and the use of appropriate democratic channels in resolving conflicts, ” he said.

    The Minister noted that the power sector is the lifeblood of the nation’s economy and a cornerstone of national development.

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    “Any attack on its infrastructure is an attack on the progress and well-being of our people. The facilities of Ikeja Electric, which serve millions of Nigerians, were designed to ensure the efficient distribution of electricity to homes, hospitals, schools, and industries including military installations.

    “This incident has set back our efforts to achieve stable and uninterrupted power supply, and it is a blow to the collective aspirations of our nation,” he added.

    Adelabu emphasised that no grievance, no matter how legitimate, justify the destruction of public infrastructure.

    “Such actions are counterproductive and only serve to exacerbate the challenges we face as a nation.

    “We must always remember that violence and destruction are not the answer to our problems. Instead, we must embrace dialogue, understanding, and the rule of law as the only viable means of resolving conflicts.

    “I call on all parties involved to exercise restraint and to seek peaceful and democratic means of addressing all issues that may have led to this unfortunate incident.

    “Our democracy provides us with the tools and institutions necessary to resolve disputes without resorting to violence. We have the judiciary, the legislature, and various regulatory bodies that are empowered to mediate and adjudicate conflicts.

    “It is imperative that we utilise these channels to ensure that justice is served and that such incidents do not recur”.

    Adelabu also commended the staff and management of Ikeja electricity distribution company for their resilience in the face of provocation.

    “Your comportment in the face of this adversity are a testament to your dedication to serving the Nigerian people. The Federal Ministry of Power stands ready to support you in any way possible to ensure that normalcy is restored as quickly as possible,” he stressed.

    The Minister enjoined stakeholders in the power sector to work together in harmony.

  • Adelabu commissions 990kWp solar for bands D, E in Niger community

    Adelabu commissions 990kWp solar for bands D, E in Niger community

    The Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has commissioned 990kWp solar hybrid mini-grid project to provide reliable supply for band D and E customers in Lambata Community, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.

    The project is to serve 3,500 households in the community spanning small scale industries and others.

    Speaking at the ceremony, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) Engr. Abba Aliyu said while the Minister is working hard to increase generation for band A, B,C, it is also making ways to provide reliable supply to Band D and E.

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    He said: “And the essence of this project is, one, minister’s strategy of enhancing reliability for band D and E.

    “While the minister is working towards creating, enhancing generation and reliability for band A, B, and C, we are also working from the bottom, creating reliability for band D and E.”

    The REA boss said the project is one of the schemes for the deployment of another 40 interconnected mini-grids, working with seven distribution companies.

    He recalled that Adelabu recently travelled to Japan and the outcome is furthering discussion for additional financing of $200 million, of which some part of that money will also be used to deploy additional 100 interconnected mini-grids to power Nigerians.

    Adelabu said the Federal Government would ensure the the project is operational and sustainable in the long term.

    He further revealed that the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is committed building capacity for maintenance of the energy system.

    According to him: “Sustainability and Long-Term Impact. While the installation of this mini-grid is a significant milestone, we must focus on ensuring that this infrastructure remains operational and sustainable in the long term.

    “The Federal Ministry of Power, through the Rural Electrification Agency, is committed to supporting the continuous maintenance and capacity building for local communities to manage and sustain these energy systems effectively.”