The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has urged the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to wade into the frequent attacks on facilities and officials of electricity distribution companies (DisCos).
The minister, while condemning the latest attack on facilities at the substation of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) in Badagry, on March 14, described the vandalism, destruction and forceful abduction of staff as not only unacceptable but also a direct threat to the stability of Nigeria’s power supply and the economic well-being of the country.
He called on the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, to intervene by calling the security operatives to order, adding that there are ways such issues could be handled without resorting to violence especially in a democratic setting.
Adelabu noted that electricity infrastructure is the backbone of the Nigerian economy and a critical enabler of development.
“Attacks on these facilities and staff on duty undermine the efforts of the federal government to ensure stable and reliable power supply to homes, businesses, and public institutions.
“The repeated targeting of power infrastructure and the personnel of distribution companies by uniformed personnel, who are expected to protect national assets, is deeply troubling and raises serious concerns about discipline and accountability within our armed forces,” he stated.
The statement further noted that the Nigerian Army was emboldened to attack EKEDC facilities and staff because of the silence of the federal government on the earlier invasion of Ikeja Electric by the air force.
The minister said the attack on EKEDC’s substation has resulted in significant damage, leading to power outages and disruptions in service to thousands of customers. “This comes at a time when the government is working tirelessly to improve the efficiency and reliability of the power sector. Such actions are counterproductive and sabotage the collective progress we are striving to achieve,” Adelabu said in a statement yesterday.
He called on the Nigerian Army to immediately investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice. Meanwhile, PowerUp Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to advancing sustainable energy access and power in Nigeria has condemned the attacks on power companies.
The Executive Director, PowerUp Nigeria, Adetayo Adegbemle, said the reckless acts have caused significant damage to critical energy infrastructure, disrupted essential services and endangered civilian lives.
He called for a transparent, impartial inquiry into the circumstances leading to the attacks with findings made public, and prosecution of individuals and entities responsible for authorising or executing the assault.
“PowerUp Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to working with government agencies, private sector partners, and civil society to strengthen Nigeria’s energy resilience. We stand ready to support efforts to restore power, repair damages and foster accountability,” he said.
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