Tinubu Confronting Decades of Power Sector Neglect – Energy Security Forum

The National Energy Security Forum of Nigeria has called on Nigerians to show understanding with the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu over ongoing efforts to stabilize electricity supply in the country. Speaking with journalists at the weekend in Abuja, the spokesperson of the forum, Dr. Jacob Adams, said the present administration inherited a deeply troubled power sector from previous governments, which he described as having performed “terribly poorly” in the management of the nation’s electricity infrastructure. “The power sector challenges we see today did not begin overnight. Successive administrations left huge structural gaps in generation, transmission and distribution, leaving the current government with enormous difficulties to confront,” Adams stated.

He, however, commended the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, for what he described as visible commitment to improving the stability of the national grid through reforms and operational improvements. According to Adams, Nigeria’s electricity generation has improved from an average of about 4,100 megawatts in 2023 to over 5,500 megawatts in recent records, representing roughly a 30 percent increase in output within a short period. “These are not abstract numbers,” he said. “They show that deliberate efforts are being made to strengthen generation capacity, and Nigerians must appreciate that rebuilding a power sector that has suffered decades of neglect cannot happen overnight.”

Adams further noted that the challenge of reliable electricity supply is not unique to Nigeria, pointing out that many countries across Africa and even parts of Europe have struggled with energy shortages in recent years due to global economic pressures and geopolitical tensions. He observed that the ongoing tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran have added new uncertainties to global energy security. “Energy security is now a global concern. Nations like South Africa have battled prolonged electricity shortages, while even advanced economies have faced supply disruptions due to geopolitical conflicts. Nigeria is therefore operating within a complex international energy environment,” Adams explained.

The forum’s spokesperson also expressed concern over repeated assaults on critical energy infrastructure across the country, warning that vandalism and sabotage of power and energy installations remain major obstacles to stable electricity supply. According to him, such attacks directly undermine national development and the government’s reform efforts. “Every time a pipeline, transmission line, or power facility is vandalized, it sets the entire nation back,” Adams said, adding that the National Energy Security Forum of Nigeria would intensify its advocacy for the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure. “We are mobilizing citizens and stakeholders to support the protection of these installations because safeguarding energy infrastructure is central to Nigeria’s national security and economic stability” he said