Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has condemned the rising attacks on electricity distribution infrastructure and personnel, urging the National Security Adviser (NSA) to take swift action.
Adelabu’s reaction follows the March 14 assault on the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) substation in Badagry, where vandals damaged facilities and abducted staff. He described these incidents as a serious threat to the country’s power sector and overall economic development.
He called on NSA Malam Nuhu Ribadu to ensure security agencies use lawful methods to resolve disputes instead of resorting to violence. According to him, a stable power supply is essential for Nigeria’s economic growth, and such attacks undermine government efforts to improve electricity services.
“The federal government is making significant strides in enhancing power sector efficiency, but these acts of vandalism are setting us back,” Adelabu said. He also expressed concern over reports of uniformed personnel being involved in the destruction of critical infrastructure.
He linked the latest attack to the government’s failure to act when a similar incident occurred at Ikeja Electric, warning that the EKEDC facility raid had left thousands of customers without electricity.
Adelabu demanded an immediate investigation and urged the military to ensure those responsible are held accountable.
Meanwhile, PowerUp Nigeria, a non-governmental organization advocating for improved electricity access, also condemned the attacks.
The group’s Executive Director, Adetayo Adegbemle, stressed that such incidents endanger lives, disrupt essential services, and weaken the country’s energy infrastructure. He called for a transparent investigation, legal action against perpetrators, and efforts to restore power and repair the damage.
Adegbemle reaffirmed PowerUp Nigeria’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to address the issue and ensure accountability.
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