The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs) have called for the immediate resignation of Minister of Power, Adelabu Adebayo, citing his inability to address Nigeria’s chronic electricity challenges.
In a joint statement issued in Kaduna, signed by James Ezema, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of CNPP, and Alhaji Ali Abacha, National Secretary of CNCSOs, the groups accused the minister of failing to improve the nation’s power supply.
Describing Adelabu as “a round peg in a square hole,” the organisations lamented the state of Nigeria’s power sector, where over 40% of the population lacks electricity access, while those connected to the grid receive a meager and unreliable supply of 2,000MW to 4,000MW daily—a situation that has remained unchanged since the 1980s.
Economic Consequences of Power Failures
The coalition highlighted the devastating impact of Nigeria’s poor electricity supply on economic growth, stating that it has led to:
Economic stagnation
Job losses
The collapse of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—the backbone of Nigeria’s economy
Despite its vast human and natural resources, Nigeria continues to lag behind other African nations in electrification, the groups added.
Failure to Leverage Policy Reforms
The CNPP and CNCSOs also criticised Adelabu for failing to utilise the Nigerian Electricity Act of 2023, which decentralises electricity provision and encourages public-private collaboration.
“His failure to attract local and international investors has deepened the power crisis and hindered economic recovery,” they stated.
Rising Bills Despite Grid Collapses
Citing a report by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the coalition revealed that Nigeria recorded:
Three total grid collapses and two partial collapses in Q4 2024
12 grid collapses throughout 2024
Despite these failures, Nigerians paid a staggering ₦509.84 billion to electricity distribution companies in Q4—up from ₦466.69 billion in Q3 2024.
Calls for Resignation or Redeployment
The groups insisted that Adelabu’s appointment was political patronage rather than merit, highlighting that his expertise lies in finance, hospitality, agriculture, entertainment, and real estate—not the power sector.
They urged President Bola Tinubu to redeploy Adelabu within seven days to a more suitable ministry or risk further economic decline.
“The power sector is too critical to be entrusted to individuals lacking the necessary expertise and vision,” the groups declared.
They further pledged to continue monitoring government ministries and agencies to ensure good governance and better leadership for the Nigerian people.
