Adebayo Adelabu, Nigeria’s Minister of Power, has once again condemned the assaults on power infrastructure and personnel from electricity distribution companies. He emphasized that these ongoing attacks hinder the Federal Government’s initiatives to provide a stable and reliable power supply to households, businesses, and public institutions.
In a statement released to the press on Wednesday, Adelabu highlighted that electricity infrastructure is essential to Nigeria’s economy and a vital driver of development. He asserted that acts of vandalism, destruction, and the abduction of staff are not only intolerable but also pose a direct threat to the stability of the nation’s power supply and its economic health.
The recent incidents of abduction, intimidation, assault, and vandalism targeting staff and facilities at the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) substation in Badagry, Lagos State, were specifically mentioned as alarming.
Adelabu stated, “Assaults on these facilities and their personnel compromise the Federal Government’s efforts to provide a stable and reliable power supply to households, businesses, and public institutions. The ongoing attacks on power infrastructure and the staff of distribution companies by uniformed individuals, who are meant to safeguard national assets, are extremely concerning and raise significant issues regarding discipline and accountability within our armed forces.”
He pointed out that the Nigerian Army felt empowered to target EKEDC facilities and personnel due to the Federal Government’s inaction following the earlier incursion by the Air Force at Ikeja Electric. He emphasized the necessity for the National Security Adviser to intervene in this situation to prevent further assaults.
The Minister remarked that the attack on the EKEDC substation has caused considerable damage, resulting in power outages and service disruptions for thousands of customers. “This occurs at a time when the government is diligently working to enhance the power supply.”
The Ministry of Power is calling on the military leadership to take immediate action to educate and raise awareness among its personnel about the significance of safeguarding critical national infrastructure. The frequent occurrence of these incidents indicates a systemic problem that requires prompt attention.
Adelabu emphasized that the power ministry is dedicated to collaborating with all stakeholders to protect power infrastructure and guarantee a continuous electricity supply for all Nigerians.
