Power Minister Blames Past Leaders for Sector’s Decay, Highlights Tinubu’s Commitment to Reform

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has placed blame on previous Nigerian administrations for the persistent challenges plaguing the power sector, citing decades of neglect and mismanagement.

Speaking during a meeting with a World Bank delegation in Abuja, Adelabu stated that Nigeria’s energy crisis is a product of years of poor leadership and failed reforms.

“We actually have a past that we are not proud of,” Adelabu said in a statement issued by Bolaji Tunji, his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations. “Over the years, we have only paid lip service to transforming the power sector. Previous administrations kept doing the same things and expected different results. That is why we’re committed to doing things differently now.”

He emphasized that the power sector is a top priority for President Bola Tinubu, who has shown unwavering support for reform efforts aimed at revamping the sector.

Infrastructure Neglect and Vandalism

The minister lamented the deterioration of power infrastructure, highlighting the lack of maintenance on thousands of kilometers of transmission lines and hundreds of thousands of transformers.

“How do we expect these systems to sustain energy supply without maintenance? It’s unrealistic,” he said. “We also have to address vandalism of infrastructure. How can we expect stable electricity when essential assets are constantly being destroyed?”

Adelabu also pointed to the inadequate metering system, noting that Nigeria has over 12 million electricity customers, yet fewer than six million have meters. This, he said, undermines the stability and financial sustainability of the power sector.

Historical Stagnation and Siemens Power Deal

He cited the slow growth of electricity generation as evidence of stagnation in the sector. “In 1984, we achieved 2,000 megawatts. Between then and 2023—nearly 40 years—we’ve only added another 2,000 megawatts,” Adelabu noted. “Now, in just over a year since President Tinubu assumed office, we’ve reached an average of 5,800 megawatts in generation.”

The minister also criticized the previous administration under President Muhammadu Buhari for failing to implement the Siemens power agreement signed in 2019. “We didn’t lift a finger on the deal until 2023, when this administration took charge. Since then, we’ve made significant progress, with the pilot phase nearing completion,” he said.

Call for Continued Support

Adelabu praised the World Bank and other development partners for their ongoing support in areas such as generation, transmission, distribution, and renewable energy. He urged them to continue backing the government’s efforts to overhaul the power sector.

“This administration has brought seriousness, commitment, and determination to the table,” he said. “There’s very little that can be achieved in agriculture, transportation, defense, education, or health without reliable electricity. That’s why President Tinubu is prioritizing this sector and providing the necessary support to transform it.”