The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has strongly criticized the recent attacks on power distribution companies by military personnel, urging the National Security Adviser to take immediate action to prevent further incidents.
Adelabu condemned the intimidation, assault, and abduction of staff, as well as the destruction of facilities at the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) substation in Badagry, Lagos State. The attack, allegedly carried out by Nigerian Army personnel, occurred on March 14 following a temporary power outage. This incident came just days after a similar assault on staff and infrastructure of the Ikeja Electric Distribution Company by the Nigerian Air Force on March 6.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Adelabu described the incidents as unacceptable, warning that such actions threaten the stability of Nigeria’s power supply and overall economic growth. He called on National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu to step in and ensure security forces handle grievances through lawful and non-violent means, particularly in a democratic society.
According to a statement from his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, Adelabu emphasized that electricity infrastructure is crucial to Nigeria’s economy and development.
“Attacks on power facilities and personnel undermine the Federal Government’s efforts to ensure a stable and reliable electricity supply for homes, businesses, and public institutions,” he said.
He further expressed deep concern over the repeated targeting of power infrastructure by uniformed personnel who are expected to safeguard national assets, raising questions about discipline and accountability within the armed forces.
Adelabu suggested that the lack of consequences for the earlier attack on Ikeja Electric emboldened the army to assault EKEDC staff and facilities. He urged the National Security Adviser to intervene immediately to prevent further incidents.
The minister highlighted the significant damage caused by the attack on the EKEDC substation, which led to power disruptions affecting thousands of customers. He warned that such actions undermine the government’s efforts to improve the power sector’s reliability and efficiency.
Adelabu called on the Nigerian Army to launch an investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. He also urged military leaders to educate their personnel on the importance of protecting critical national infrastructure, noting that the recurrence of such attacks suggests a deeper systemic issue that needs urgent resolution.
Despite these concerns, Adelabu reaffirmed the power ministry’s commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders to safeguard electricity infrastructure and maintain an uninterrupted power supply for Nigerians.
While acknowledging the military’s crucial role in national security, he stressed that the armed forces should view the power sector as an ally in national development rather than an adversary.
“We urge all Nigerians, including members of the armed forces, to recognize the importance of protecting our power infrastructure. These facilities are essential to our collective prosperity, and their destruction negatively impacts everyone,” he concluded.
