Power minister performing poorly, group insists

AN electricity consumer group, All Electricity Consumer Protection Forum, said the current Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu is performing below expectations.

The group also said the minister could not overturn the despondent state of the country’s electricity sector. Expressing dissatisfaction in a release, the forum expressed concern over the minister’s apparent failure to take decisive actions or engage stakeholders since assuming office, raising questions about the direction and effectiveness of the ministry’s leadership.

Highlighting its dissatisfaction, the group pointed to a perceived disconnect between the minister’s statements and the industry’s intricate dynamics.

They asserted that this knowledge gap has translated into a lack of tangible progress and meaningful initiatives since the minister’s tenure began.

The group urged the minister to actively involve stakeholders, emphasising the importance of learning from industry experts to address existing challenges and pave the way for the sector’s advancement.

The forum alleged that inefficiencies and blame- shifting within the power sector persist.

Addressing the power minister, the forum dismisses claims that consumers are hindering power generation, arguing that blame lies with the operational shortcomings of Discos and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission ( NERC).

Expressing frustration over the lack of regulation in the sector, the National Coordinator of the forum, Adeola Samuel- Ilori condemned estimated billing, citing the failure of NERC to efficiently supervise distribution companies.

The recent sanctions, based on a February 20th, 2020 capping method, are deemed ineffective, with skepticism about compliance.

“Four years after, did you bother to ask that question? How many consumers have suffered in those four years, paying for the money that they did not owe the disco? But you come out to say that it is the consumers that are making GENCO not generate so that we will come out of this eclectic supply. It is not going to be business as usual. Honorable Minister, we are going to rise as consumers, and we are going to tell you the truth.

“We will make sure that we use every legal means to let you know that you cannot blame us for the inefficiencies in your office and operational attitudes and unwholesome behaviors of the discos and Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission. It is a fact that when the purpose is not known, the abuse is imminent. It is because you may not know the purpose and the opportunity that is embedded in the power sector, which can make and turn around our economy,” the group said.