The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, has emphasised the need for a collaborative effort from all stakeholders and security agencies to protect critical power infrastructure.
He made this statement in Abuja on Wednesday when members of the Civil Military Cooperation (CIMICO), led by Mr Adams Otako, paid him a courtesy visit.
Adelabu stressed that the importance of power infrastructure in the nation’s industrial development could not be overstated, and that it had become essential to protect all government assets scattered nationwide.
He highlighted that the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) had faced challenges due to theft-related issues in most states, where high-voltage transmission lines had been tampered with, by hoodlums.
“Towers have been brought down, cables have been stolen, and substations have been looted. The administration of President Bola Tinubu has promised to provide stable electricity supply to all of us,” the minister said.
Adelabu noted that transformers were being disrupted across the country, and while the military and other security agencies are doing their best to provide maximum protection, they have limitations.
“It is the people themselves who can protect these facilities. So, we need to keep sensitising them to protect our assets.”
He commended the team for their efforts, noting that nothing could be achieved without the kind of work it was doing.
Adelabu also called for urgent action to discourage power theft, urging civil society groups to help the government sensitise the public against such behaviour.
He stressed that the refusal of electricity consumers to pay their bills was unacceptable, as it could lead to companies facing closure.
The minister emphasised that energy was a basic amenity that guaranteed livelihood.
Earlier, Otako stated that the team visited the ministry due to the importance they attached to the energy sector. (NAN)
