The Minister of Power,Chief Adebayo Adelabu,has blamed vandals and bandits for frequent power failure in Nigeria in the past year.
He also blamed them for the failure of the country to increase power generation to 6,000MW,last year.
He deplored persistent attacks on power infrastructure, describing them as a significant obstacle to improving electricity supply.
He apologized to Nigerians on account of the hitches,promising that 2025 offers renewed hope to improve Nigeria’s power sector.
“The major hindrance to achieving a breakthrough in the nation’s electricity supply in the past year was the handiwork of unpatriotic Nigerians, who appeared as vandals and bandits,” the minister quoted in a new year statement signed by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Mr. Bolaji Tunji.
He assured Nigerians of the government’s commitment to improving electricity supply as part of President Bola Tinubu’s vision of making access to electricity a fundamental right.
“As we enter the New Year, we are coming with renewed vigour to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply, either through grid or non-grid sources. President Tinubu has repeatedly affirmed that access to electricity is the right of all Nigerians, and we are fully committed to making this promise a reality,” he said.
The minister explained that the ongoing reforms in the power sector was aimed at addressing the energy challenges faced by tertiary educational and health institutions.
He promised that these sectors would benefit significantly in the coming year.
Adelabu implored Nigerians,to take ownership of power infrastructure and safeguard them against vandalism.
He added: “I want to call on all of us to own the power infrastructure in our different communities across the country. In doing this, we can secure and safeguard them.
“Without electricity supply, our industries cannot work, and our educational and health institutions cannot function. Protecting these assets is a patriotic duty that benefits all,” he said.
He said while the government and its agencies are working to protect power infrastructure, public support is critical in ensuring their safety.
The government would intensify efforts to provide reliable electricity for households and businesses in 2025,he promised.
