Nigeria’s Power Minister Condemns Sabotage and Cartel Activities in Electricity Sector

The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, has recently expressed his concerns about the activities of saboteurs and cartels in the electricity sector, attributing them as the cause of the persistent power outages in Nigeria.

During a programme titled “Confronting Nigeria’s Power Challenge as the Nation Migrates to a Multi-Tier Electricity Market,” organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Power, the minister highlighted the ongoing efforts to address the power supply challenges faced by the country.

Adelabu condemned the actions of saboteurs and cartels, accusing them of hindering the government’s efforts to ensure a stable electricity supply.

He emphasized the need to focus on boosting Nigeria’s productivity and reducing the frequency of power collapses.

The Federal Government is considering the liberalization of the power sector to attract more investment and improve the overall efficiency of electricity distribution.

In his address, the minister encouraged state governments to invest in power generation, citing Abia as a state that has already made significant investments in this area.

The Federal Executive Council has also granted permission to states like Ekiti and Enugu to generate tariffs, further promoting the decentralization of power production.

Adelabu expressed concern over the fact that many investors in the power sector rely on loans instead of private equity, which might not be sustainable in the long run.

He expressed hope that future investors would adhere to more beneficial practices for the sector.

Furthermore, the government is looking to enhance rural electrification in collaboration with state governments, aiming to provide electricity access to more remote areas.

Despite the challenges, Nigeria has over 100 uncompleted power projects, indicating the potential for significant growth in the sector.

However, the completion of these projects is crucial for achieving energy efficiency and meeting the country’s power needs.

Mr Kola Adeshina, Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, pointed out that Nigeria’s inability to efficiently supply electricity is surprising given its abundant gas resources.

He emphasized the need for the power sector to be a top priority in the budget, urging the government to focus on providing electricity to industrial areas during the day and residential areas at night, as production takes place primarily during the day.

As Nigeria strives to overcome its power supply challenges, the resilience of its people and the government’s commitment to addressing the issues are essential for achieving a stable and efficient electricity sector.