Nigeria’s 5,000MW Electricity Output is Shameful – Minister of Power
Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has sharply criticized the nation’s current electricity generation capacity, calling it “shameful” that a country with over 200 million people still only produces 5,000 megawatts of power.
Adelabu, who has been Nigeria’s Minister of Power for nearly a year – a period during which the country’s national grid has collapsed at least four times – made this criticism during a meeting with the Civil-Military Committee on Energy Security in his office on Wednesday, August 14.
In a statement released by his media aide, Bolaji Tunji, on Thursday, August 15, Adelabu expressed frustration over the rampant vandalism of power infrastructure, which he claims hinders the government’s ability to deliver stable and affordable electricity. “Vandals are destroying our national assets, which directly impacts our capacity to provide reliable power to homes, industries, and critical sectors of the economy,” Adelabu said.
“It is shameful for a nation of over 200 million people to still be on 5,000MW of electricity at this age. Let me tell you that some of the transformers we are still using today are 64 years old. How do you want such to give you what you desire at this age?
“Those maintaining them do not even understand them again. This is a reflection of the actions and inactions of the past 60 years. We have not done what is right in this sector in the past 60 years and that is what we are correcting now,” Adelabu said.
The minister also emphasized on President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape. “President Tinubu wants to change this narrative and deliver the energy supply that Nigerians deserve,” Adelabu said. “Our goal is to eliminate energy poverty and ensure that electricity is available to every Nigerian, no matter where they live.”
Adelabu assured that the government is prioritizing the power sector and has initiated measures to protect critical power infrastructure while enhancing the quality, stability, and affordability of electricity. The issue of vandalism is being addressed with the seriousness it deserves, he added.
The Effect of the Power Sector to Nigeria’s Economy
“The power sector is crucial for the development of other sectors,” Adelabu concluded. “When we get this right, it will positively impact all other areas of our economy.”
