By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia ReporterÂ
NIGERIA’s POWER Minister, Adebayo Adelabu has clarified misconceptions about the N8 billion allocation in the Ministry of Power’s 2025 budget which had initially stirred debate, with some alleging it was earmarked for sensitising Nigerians to pay electricity bills.
However, the Minister explained that the funds are designated for advocacy, education, and deploying technology to protect power infrastructure from escalating vandalism.
In a statement issued by Mr. Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser to the Minister on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, the Ministry described these claims as baseless.
The Minister also stressed that the allocation focuses on reorienting Nigerians about safeguarding critical national assets, including power installations, through extensive awareness campaigns and community engagements.
“Sabotage has severely hindered progress in electricity supply, with vandals planting explosives under power towers and stealing cables,” the Minister, Adebayo Adelabu, said.
“Just last weekend, parts of Abuja were plunged into darkness due to vandalised underground cables. Such acts demand urgent action, not misinformation.”
The advocacy campaign plans to reach all 774 local government areas and 36 states, including Abuja.
According to Adelabu, this will include broadcasting public service messages on radio, television, and social media in local dialects, erecting billboards, and organising town hall meetings.
Community security personnel and local stakeholders will also be engaged to protect infrastructure, with advanced technology deployed to safeguard assets.
Adelabu pointed to the devastation caused by repeated sabotage, particularly on the Shiroro-Mando-Kaduna transmission line, where terrorists used explosives to destroy transmission towers.
“Reconstructing these lines has cost over N9 billion, and the work remains incomplete due to banditry,” he noted.
He dismissed the notion that the Ministry needs to advocate for electricity bill payments, stating that Distribution Companies (DISCOs) are fully equipped to recover owed debts.
“We have no mandate to urge Nigerians to pay for services they consume. Our focus is entirely on protecting and preserving national infrastructure.”
He highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at stabilising the national grid, including the Siemens project.
“This project, currently in its pilot phase, involves the installation of power transformers and mobile substations in states like Kogi, Lagos, Delta, and Yobe.
“Eight transformers and five mobile substations have already been installed, with plans for additional facilities under the second phase,” he stated.
The Minister also addressed the dilapidated state of power infrastructure, which has contributed to grid collapses.
He assured Nigerians that efforts to upgrade the grid and strengthen electricity transmission are on course.
“When this administration began, generation stagnated at 4,000 megawatts. Today, we’ve surpassed a three-year peak of 5,528 megawatts,” Adelabu said.
In line with President Bola Tinubu’s campaign promise, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted electricity for all Nigerians.
“Electricity is a fundamental right, and we remain resolute in achieving this goal,” Adelabu concluded.
