Adelabu blames vandalism for failure to increase power generation to 6,000MW

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has attributed the failure to increase power generation to 6,000 megawatts (MW) as promised to rampant vandalism of infrastructure.

The 26 electricity plants on the national grid, electricity generation peaked at 4,450MW yesterday.

While the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had earlier this year increased the tariff to above N200 per kilowatt hour for some end-users, Adelabu had told Nigerians that power supply would improve as the tariff increase was based on improved service delivery.

In his New Year message, issued through a statement by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, Adelabu expressed concern over the persistent attacks on power infrastructure, describing them as a significant obstacle to improving electricity supply.

“The major hindrance to achieving a breakthrough in the nation’s electricity supply in the past year was the handiwork of unpatriotic Nigerians, who appeared as vandals and bandits,” the minister stated.

He reassured Nigerians of the government’s commitment to improving electricity supply as part of President Bola Tinubu’s vision of making access to electricity a fundamental right.

“As we enter the New Year, we are coming with renewed vigour to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply, either through grid or non-grid sources.

“President Tinubu has repeatedly affirmed that access to electricity is the right of all Nigerians, and we are fully committed to making this promise a reality,” he said.

The minister stressed ongoing reforms in the power sector aimed at addressing the energy challenges faced by tertiary educational and health institutions, promising that these sectors would benefit significantly in the coming year.

Adelabu called on Nigerians, particularly host communities, to take ownership of power infrastructure and safeguard them against vandalism.

“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 urged.

“Without electricity supply, our industries cannot work, and our educational and health institutions cannot function. Protecting these assets is a patriotic duty that benefits all.”

The minister emphasised that while the government and its agencies are working to protect power infrastructure, public support is critical in ensuring their safety.

He expressed optimism for the year ahead, assuring Nigerians that the government would intensify efforts to provide reliable electricity for households and businesses.