In an effort to boost the operational capabilities of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu has pledged to ensure a stable electricity supply to all military bases across the country.
This commitment was made during a visit from the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, to the Ministry of Power in Abuja, as reported by Adelabu’s spokesman, Bolaji Tunji. The visit aimed to strengthen collaboration between the Nigerian Air Force and the ministry regarding reliable power supply for Air Force bases nationwide.
Adelabu emphasized that dependable electricity is crucial for securing military facilities and protecting national assets. “The President has issued a clear directive to prioritize power for military installations in barracks and bases. It’s a matter of national security,” he stated.
He acknowledged existing challenges, such as insufficient metering and outdated infrastructure, and noted that contracts for metering military sites awarded since 2003 are now entering a renewed and more effective phase. Ongoing discussions with Distribution Companies (Discos) are focused on addressing power instability across all six geopolitical zones.
Demonstrating commitment, Adelabu highlighted the recent commissioning of a 3.1MW mini grid to power the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna, along with ongoing projects in Jaji and other locations. These initiatives will soon extend to Air Force bases, with a long-term vision of incorporating renewable energy solutions into the military’s energy strategy.
“A clean, stable, and cost-effective energy supply is essential. The military functions as a strategic institution, not a commercial entity—it deserves energy solutions that reflect its national significance,” the minister affirmed.
Additionally, the ministry plans to replace outdated transformers with modern alternatives and will convene a high-level meeting with all 11 Discos and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to develop a sustainable, sector-wide strategy.
In response, Abubakar praised the minister for his progressive reforms in the power sector, highlighting the importance of electricity not only for the economy but also for Nigeria’s overall national security infrastructure. He raised concerns about unauthorized encroachments on dedicated transmission lines to military facilities and requested the ministry’s assistance in eliminating illegal connections and resolving long-standing billing issues with Ikeja Discos.
The Chief of Air Staff reiterated the Air Force’s willingness to collaborate with the ministry in protecting national infrastructure and implementing alternative energy solutions across its bases.
Adelabu concluded that the strategic partnership between the Federal Ministry of Power and the Nigerian Air Force represents a significant advancement toward energy security, operational excellence, and national resilience.
