The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, has clarified the allocation of N8 billion in the 2025 budget for his ministry, addressing claims that the funds were intended to sensitise Nigerians on electricity bill payments.
He explained that the funds are directed toward advocacy against vandalism and efforts to protect Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by Mr Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser to the Minister on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Adelabu emphasised that the budget is misunderstood.
He stated that the provision is aimed at promoting patriotism in the handling of national assets, particularly power infrastructure, and encouraging Nigerians to protect and take ownership of these assets.
Vandalism and Its Consequences
The minister expressed concern over the increasing acts of vandalism targeting power infrastructure. He highlighted recent incidents, noting, “In the last few months, acts of vandalism have continued to throw different parts of the country into darkness, with vandals planting bombs under power towers, carting away power lines and cables.”
Adelabu pointed to the vandalism of underground cables in Abuja, which resulted in widespread outages, and the attack on the Shiroro-Mando-Kaduna line.
He disclosed, “It cost the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) more than N9 billion to bring back the transmission towers and lines destroyed by the terrorists on the Shiroro-Mando-Kaduna line, which threw parts of northern Nigeria into darkness in 2025.”
He also lamented the ongoing challenges in repairing infrastructure due to security issues, adding, “The job of bringing back the transmission towers and lines destroyed has not been completed due to activities of bandits who have continued to stagnate efforts to repair some of the lines.”
Advocacy and Community Engagement
Adelabu outlined plans to address the issue through a national advocacy campaign aimed at curbing vandalism and fostering community engagement. He explained that the program would involve outreach to communities across the country, with meetings involving leaders, stakeholders, and youth. The initiative will also deploy technology to safeguard infrastructure and include sensitization campaigns through various media and town hall meetings in local languages.
In addition, the ministry will undertake Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects in communities hosting power installations to encourage their protection. Adelabu stated that these efforts would involve local hunters and security personnel in safeguarding infrastructure.
Strengthening Power Infrastructure
The minister also provided updates on efforts to stabilize the national grid and reduce collapses. He reported that the pilot phase of the Siemens project, focused on installing 10 power transformers and mobile substations across the country, is nearing completion. Eight power transformers and five mobile substations have already been installed in various states, including Kogi, Delta, Edo, Abuja, Lagos, Yobe, Kebbi, Niger, and Kano.
He noted that electricity generation has increased by over 1,000 megawatts, reaching 5,528 MW. Adelabu stressed the importance of protecting these advancements, stating, “It is our belief that the advocacy we are proposing will be able to redirect the minds of those who are bent on taking us backwards in our effort to provide efficient, effective, and uninterrupted electricity to Nigerians.”
He concluded by urging Nigerians to support the government’s efforts to secure power infrastructure and emphasized that “electricity remains a fundamental right of Nigerians.”
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