The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has denied reports that he requested N8 billion solely for the purpose of sensitizing Nigerians on electricity bill payments. His media aide, Bolaji Tunji, clarified the matter in a response to the Nigeria Labour Congress, which had called for the minister’s resignation over the alleged N8 billion request.
The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, had previously criticized the minister’s proposal, labeling it as “absurd.” Ajaero urged officials in the Ministry of Power and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to focus on revitalizing the power sector, which he argued is on the verge of collapse due to inefficiency and widespread corruption. He pointed out that, despite substantial investments, the sector’s leadership has failed to address Nigeria’s ongoing power challenges.
Ajaero also emphasized the continuous failures within NERC, which, according to him, has shown incompetence in regulating the sector and protecting consumers. He noted the widespread corruption and mismanagement that has led to frequent grid collapses and mounting debts in the sector. Ajaero specifically highlighted that contractors working with the Transmission Company of Nigeria are owed over N200 billion.
In response, Tunji communicated through a WhatsApp message to The Nation, emphasizing that the N8 billion proposal was not solely for sensitization regarding electricity bill payments. He clarified that the funds would be used for a broader campaign addressing multiple issues, including the prevention of vandalism of power infrastructure. The plan, he explained, would involve a nationwide outreach using various media channels such as radio, television, social media, newspapers, and billboards. It would also include collaboration with community stakeholders and security personnel to protect power assets.
“The power sector in Nigeria is at the brink of collapse as the helmsmen have repeatedly shown gross incompetence,” he said.
Adelabu further explained that the N8 billion would not only focus on sensitizing the public about electricity payments but also raise awareness about the importance of safeguarding power infrastructure. He added that the effort would involve engagements across all 774 local government areas, the 36 states, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
On the issue of frequent power grid collapses, Adelabu assured that the government is committed to resolving the problems. He acknowledged the historical neglect and deterioration of the country’s power infrastructure but assured that efforts were being made to address these issues. The Siemens project, he said, is one of the key initiatives aimed at improving the power grid.
Adelabu noted that the pilot phase of the Siemens project is nearing completion, with the installation of 10 power transformers and mobile substations. The second phase will involve constructing additional substations, which will help bolster grid capacity and reduce grid collapses. Furthermore, the ongoing SCADA project is expected to improve monitoring and control of the grid.
The minister also pointed out that power generation has significantly increased under the current administration, from a stagnated 4,000 megawatts to a peak of 5,270 megawatts. Adelabu called for continued cooperation from all stakeholders to ensure the success of the renewed hope agenda for the power sector, which is critical to Nigeria’s economic development. He mentioned that several power transformers and substations have already been installed across various states as part of the Siemens project.
