The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has addressed misconceptions surrounding the N8bn budgetary provision in the Ministry of Power’s 2025 appropriation, clarifying its purpose and rejecting claims that it is meant for sensitizing Nigerians on electricity bill payments.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, in Abuja on Thursday, Adelabu explained that the allocation is dedicated to advocacy, education, and deploying technology to protect the nation’s power infrastructure.
Adelabu emphasized, “Far from what is being canvassed, the Federal Government is deeply worried about acts of sabotage that have continued to erode the gains made in the last one and a half years in electricity supply to Nigerians.”
He clarified that the funds aim to foster patriotism among Nigerians in safeguarding national assets, particularly power infrastructure, and not to advocate for bill payments, a responsibility he said lies with the distribution companies (DISCOs).
“It is important to correct the impression that N8bn is being proposed for sensitization on electricity payment.
“Our advocacy would entail sensitization across the 774 LGAs and 36 states, including Abuja.
“It would use electronic platforms such as radio, television, social media, newspapers, and billboards to re-orient Nigerians on the implications of vandalizing power infrastructure,” he said.
The minister highlighted recent cases of sabotage, such as the planting of explosives under power towers and the theft of underground cables, which plunged parts of Abuja into darkness.
Adelabu stressed the need for urgent action to prevent further occurrences.
The advocacy programme, he said, would include town hall meetings with community stakeholders, employing local security to protect assets, and leveraging technology for surveillance.
The ministry also plans to undertake Corporate Social Responsibility projects in host communities to encourage their involvement in safeguarding installations.
“We will reach them in their local languages and dialects through television, radio jingles, and social media campaigns. We will hold meetings with leaders, stakeholders, and youths to address the issue. All these will cost so much,” he explained.
Adelabu added, “This is essentially what this budgetary allocation is meant for. Saying the ministry has budgeted N8bn for sensitization on bill payment shows a lack of understanding of the issues in the power sector.”
He reiterated that the government remains committed to tackling the menace of infrastructure vandalism and ensuring a steady power supply for Nigerians.
