- Adebayo Adelabu criticised the Nigerian Army and Air Force for recent assaults on power infrastructure and staff, stressing the threat to Nigeria’s power supply and economy.
- Adelabu urged the National Security Adviser and military high command to stop further attacks and educate personnel on protecting national infrastructure.
- The attacks on Eko and Ikeja electricity distribution companies led to widespread outages, affecting thousands of customers.
Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, condemned recent military attacks on power infrastructure and electricity distribution staff, saying these actions hinder the Federal Government’s efforts to provide stable electricity nationwide.
In a statement on Wednesday, March 19, Adelabu criticised the destruction of power infrastructure, calling it a direct threat to Nigeria’s economic stability. He addressed the March 14, 2025, incident where Nigerian Army personnel attacked the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) substation in Badagry, Lagos. This attack followed a temporary power outage and led to damage to facilities and the abduction of staff. Adelabu pointed out that this incident occurred less than a week after a similar assault by Nigerian Air Force personnel on Ikeja Electric Distribution Company (IKEDC) staff.
“Vandalism, abduction, and attacks on power staff undermine our power supply and endanger the country’s economy,” Adelabu stated.
He expressed concern about the behaviour of uniformed personnel, who destroyed it instead of protecting national infrastructure. The Minister suggested that the Army’s attack followed the silence of the Federal Government after the earlier Air Force assault on IKEDC.
Adelabu urged the National Security Adviser (NSA) to intervene immediately and stop future attacks. “These actions work against our efforts to improve the power sector,” he stated. The Minister added that the EKEDC attack caused power outages for thousands of customers.
He called on the military high command to educate its personnel on safeguarding vital national infrastructure. According to Adelabu, these repeated attacks highlight deeper issues within the armed forces that require urgent attention.
“The Ministry of Power will continue working with all stakeholders to protect power infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted electricity for Nigerians,” he said. Adelabu acknowledged the military’s critical role in protecting the nation but urged them to see the power sector as a partner in progress, not an adversary.
He appealed to Nigerians, including military personnel, to help protect the country’s power facilities. He stressed that destroying these assets hurts everyone. “Our power infrastructure is essential to our collective prosperity. Damaging it sets us all back,” he concluded.
The attacks have sparked concerns within the power sector, as stakeholders worry about the rising trend of violence targeting electricity workers and facilities. As the government works to stabilise the power supply, these incidents create significant obstacles. Adelabu’s call for immediate action highlights the need for stronger critical infrastructure protection and accountability for those who undermine the nation’s power system.
The Minister’s firm stance demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring reliable power for all Nigerians and protecting key assets from further harm.