Adelabu Defends N8bn Budget for Anti-Vandalism Advocacy, Highlights Power Sector Reforms
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has reiterated the federal government’s commitment to achieving a stable and reliable electricity supply, outlining measures to enhance the nation’s power infrastructure.
In a recent statement, Adelabu addressed the controversies surrounding the N8 billion allocation in the Ministry of Power’s 2025 budget. He explained that the funds are specifically earmarked for combating vandalism through public education, advocacy, and technological interventions aimed at protecting power assets. The minister dismissed claims that the budget was intended for sensitizing citizens to pay electricity bills as baseless and misleading.
Adelabu, speaking through his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, highlighted the negative impact of vandalism on Nigeria’s electricity supply. He noted that acts of sabotage have significantly hindered progress in the sector.
“The Federal Government is deeply concerned about the acts of sabotage that have eroded the gains in electricity supply. The N8bn budget allocation is targeted at sensitizing Nigerians to protect and take ownership of national power assets,” he stated.
Recent incidents of underground cable vandalism in Abuja, which plunged parts of the city into darkness, were cited as examples of the challenges facing the sector.
Comprehensive Advocacy Campaign
To address these issues, Adelabu announced a nationwide advocacy campaign targeting Nigeria’s 774 local government areas and 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory. The initiative will employ a multi-faceted approach, incorporating town hall meetings, stakeholder engagements, and the use of various media platforms such as radio, television, newspapers, social media, and billboards.
“Our advocacy will include town hall meetings, engagement with community leaders and stakeholders, and the use of various media platforms—radio, television, newspapers, social media, and billboards. The goal is to educate Nigerians on the implications of vandalism and encourage them to see power infrastructure as community assets,” Adelabu said.
The campaign will also include Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in communities hosting power installations and partnerships with local hunters and security personnel to protect infrastructure. The minister revealed that the cost of repairing vandalized assets often runs into billions, referencing the N9 billion spent last year on restoring damaged transmission towers and lines along the Shiroro-Mando-Kaduna route.
Progress in Grid Stability and Infrastructure Development
Adelabu outlined progress in grid stability under the Siemens power project, which has achieved 95% completion in its first phase. The phase includes the installation of eight power transformers and five mobile substations across various locations. Looking ahead, the second phase will involve constructing 14 brownfield substations and 20 greenfield substations.
Ongoing SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) upgrades aim to improve grid management and reduce the risk of collapses. According to the minister, power generation has increased by over 1,000 megawatts since the current administration took office, reaching a three-year high of 5,528MW from the previous 4,000MW.
“Nigeria cannot afford to lag in the global energy transition. We are determined to address these issues and provide efficient, effective, and uninterrupted power supply to Nigerians,” Adelabu concluded.
The Ministry of Power’s multi-pronged strategy to address vandalism, bolster grid stability, and enhance infrastructure represents a significant step toward resolving Nigeria’s longstanding electricity challenges.
