The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has called for the immediate removal of Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, citing gross incompetence.
The demand follows the latest collapse of Nigeria’s national electricity grid on October 14 and 15, 2024.
This marks the seventh and eighth grid collapse this year, leaving millions without power and exacerbating the country’s economic woes, according To Daily Post.
The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company and Abuja Electricity Distribution Company confirmed the disruption.
HURIWA criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its handling of the power sector, particularly the appointment of Adelabu, who lacks expertise in power management. The organization emphasized electricity’s crucial role in Nigeria’s economic growth and development.
The group noted the government’s repeated excuses for grid collapses, including “system disturbances” and “infrastructure challenges,” have failed to address the root causes. Nigeria’s power grid failures have become a recurring problem, with multiple collapses annually.
Under President Tinubu’s administration, the situation has worsened, with seven grid collapses in 2024 alone. This has resulted in increased power outages, higher electricity tariffs, and minimal improvement in supply.
HURIWA’s criticism comes amid growing concerns over the power sector’s leadership and policy direction. Experts argue that effective leadership is essential for restoring confidence and driving growth in the industry.
The call for Adelabu’s removal highlights the need for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s power sector to address the persistent grid collapses and ensure reliable electricity supply for the nation.
“We do not understand why President Tinubu considers it useful to have someone who brings nothing to the table as the Minister of Power,” Onwubiko stated.
” Electricity powers economic advancement. It drives small and medium-scale enterprises and is the engine of the nation in terms of infrastructure and capacity building.
“Appointing a round peg in a square hole for such a critical ministry is the greatest disservice this government has done to Nigeria.
“For every failure, explanations of ‘system disturbance’ or infrastructure challenges are trotted out, but there has been no clear action plan to prevent further collapses.
“Historically, Nigeria’s power grid failures have been a recurring nightmare, with the grid collapsing multiple times each year.
“Under President Tinubu’s administration, the trend has worsened. In 2024 alone, the grid has collapsed seven times, worsening an already dire economic situation. Under the current government’s tenure, Nigerians have seen increased power outages, higher electricity tariffs, and little to no improvement in supply,” the organization noted.
