Minister of Power Adelabu Faces Criticism And Call For Dismissal, Amid Electricity Oversight Confusion.
The tenure of Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has been marked by significant controversies and policy contradictions, fueling calls for his removal as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approaches his one-year anniversary in office.
Adelabu recently caused a stir by announcing the suspension of state governments' electricity regulatory oversight, a move perceived as contrary to the 2023 Electricity Act. This Act, aimed at decentralizing Nigeria’s power sector, grants regulatory autonomy to states. Adelabu’s reversal of this policy at the 8th Edition of Africa Energy Market Place in Abuja has sparked widespread criticism.
Despite claims from his Special Adviser, Bolaji Tunji, that the power sector has improved under Adelabu’s leadership, many stakeholders remain unconvinced. They highlight policy inconsistencies and communication gaffes, such as Adelabu’s infamous comment blaming Nigerians’ use of freezers for power shortages, and his threat of nationwide blackouts if electricity price hikes were not implemented. These statements have only added to public frustration amidst frequent power outages and stagnation in electricity generation.
Experts like Professor Wumi Iledare emphasize that the chaos in the power sector stems from a lack of policy consistency, which hinders sustainable development. The Centre for Social Justice's Lead Director, Eze Onyekpere, has been vocal in demanding Adelabu’s dismissal, labeling him the worst-performing minister and accusing him of confusion and incompetence.
As Nigeria grapples with ongoing power challenges, the debate over Adelabu’s effectiveness continues, with many calling for decisive action from President Tinubu to ensure the country’s energy policies align with its developmental goals.
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