ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs) have called for the immediate resignation of Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu, citing incompetence and an inability to resolve Nigeria’s electricity crisis.
In a statement signed by CNPP spokesperson James Ezema and CNCSOs national secretary Ali Abacha, the coalition criticised Mr. Adelabu’s leadership, stating, “His continued tenure is untenable, and urged President Bola Tinubu to redeploy him to a ministry “aligned with his competencies within seven days.”
Describing the minister as “a typical example of a round peg in a square hole,” the coalition questioned his qualifications, pointing out that his expertise lies in financial services, hospitality, entertainment, agriculture, and real estate rather than the power sector.
“His appointment appears to be a case of political patronage rather than merit, and his performance has validated our concerns,” the statement said. “While we acknowledge the president’s intentions to address the nation’s challenges, the incompetence of appointees like Minister Adelabu undermines these efforts and erodes public trust.”
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The coalition urged President Tinubu to take decisive action, stating, “The power sector is too critical to be left in the hands of individuals who lack the requisite expertise and vision. Minister Adelabu must resign or be redeployed immediately to prevent further damage to Nigeria’s economy and the well-being of its citizens.”
Highlighting the dire state of the power sector under Mr. Adelabu, the coalition noted that over 40 per cent of Nigerians remain without electricity, while the national grid delivers a meagre and unreliable supply of 2,000MW to 4,000MW daily a situation that has remained unchanged since the 1980s.
“This failure has perpetuated a cycle of economic stagnation, job losses, and the closure of small and medium-sized enterprises, which are the backbone of Nigeria’s economy,” the statement added.
Expressing concern over the country’s erratic electricity supply, the coalition noted that despite Nigeria’s abundant human and natural resources, it lags behind other African nations in electrification.
It also criticised Mr. Adelabu for failing to utilise the Nigerian Electricity Act 2023, which decentralises electricity provision and encourages public-private collaboration.
“His inability to market these opportunities to attract local and international investors has exacerbated the nation’s power crisis and undermined the potential for economic recovery,” the coalition noted.
Citing a report by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, the coalition revealed that in the fourth quarter of 2024, there were three total grid collapses and two partial collapses.
“Despite these failures, Nigerians paid a staggering N509.84 billion to electricity distribution companies during the same period an increase from the N466.69 billion spent in the third quarter of 2024,” the statement read.
The coalition further highlighted that the 12 grid collapses recorded throughout 2024 underscore Mr. Adelabu’s inability to address systemic issues in the power sector.