FG Expresses Concern over Incessant Attacks on Power Assets
Set to enact new law to curb menace
The federal government has expressed worry over the frequent destruction of electricity assets nationwide, stressing that it was in the process of making a new law to tackle the menace.
Speaking at the inauguration of a 300KWp Solar PV pilot project in Kainji, Niger State, the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, reiterated that the destruction of some power towers around the country had been reported to the National Security Adviser (NSA) in order to strengthen security around the power infrastructure.
A statement in Abuja by the Special Adviser, Strategic Communication and Media Relations to the Minister, Bolaji Tunji, stressed that Adelabu again emphasised the need for Nigerians and the different communities where the facilities are located to protect them.
“It is of no use to expend so much energy in providing power facilities if the delivery channel is weak, that is why the ministry is concentrating on improvement of the transmission and distribution capacity.
“But what is the essence of government and private companies expending resources on these power facilities while some elements within the society will deliberately move to destroy the facilities which are national assets.
“What we witnessed towards the end of 2023 was disheartening. Some of the power towers were brought down with loss of lives, in some cases, this is quite unfortunate. We should take it as a personal and collective responsibility to protect the infrastructure,” he added.
He stressed that plans were also underway to wield the big stick on power theft through adequate legislation in order to serve as deterrence to others.
While commissioning the project, Adelabu said the it will primarily increase power generation capacity, lower electricity costs while also fostering enhanced collaboration between the main concessionaire, Mainstream Energy Solution and its Chinese partner, HEDC in the renewable energy field.
The minister stated that the power project comes with 675KWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which is an integral part of the extension of 1G3 and 1G4 under the rehabilitation of the 1G9 in Kainji HPP project.
He said efforts were progressing in achieving President Bola Tinubu’s turnaround agenda on supply of reliable and quality power, noting that the power ministry's objective ws to meet power demand.
He stated that this will be done by ensuring improved distribution and transmission infrastructure to minimize technical and commercial losses, closing the metering gap and resolving the liquidity, power theft and vandalism challenges.