Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has denied that the N8hn in the 2025 budget is meant for electricity bill awareness.
Adelabu reaffirmed his unwavering dedication to providing Nigerians with a reliable and steady power supply, stating that various initiatives are underway to enhance the nation’s electricity infrastructure and address the persistent challenges in the sector.
The Minister went on to dispel misconceptions surrounding the budget allocation of N8bn in the Ministry of Power for 2025, clarifying that the funds would be used primarily to raise awareness and prevent vandalism of power infrastructure, improve education and enlightenment programs related to power, and implement advanced technologies to safeguard power facilities, emphasizing that this allocation would not be used to convince citizens to pay their electricity bills.
Minister Adelabu was recently the subject of widespread criticism on social media after reports surfaced suggesting that the Ministry of Power was planning to spend N8bn on increasing awareness about electricity bills, prompting the Minister to strongly refute these reports as false and unfounded, aiming to clear the air and restore confidence in the government’s handling of the power sector.
He went on to stress that the Ministry’s attention is largely directed towards curbing the rapidly escalating problem of vandalism, which has severely affected power supply across various regions in the country.
In a statement issued by Bolaji Tunji, the Minister’s Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Adelabu is quoted as saying, “Far from what is being circulated, the Federal Government is deeply concerned about the acts of sabotage that have eroded the gains in electricity supply.
“The N8bn budget allocation is targeted at sensitising Nigerians to protect and take ownership of national power assets.”
Adelabu highlighted the alarming rate of vandalism, including recent incidents where underground cables in Abuja were destroyed, plunging parts of the city into darkness.
He disclosed that the awareness campaign would encompass a comprehensive program that would reach all 774 local government areas and 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory.
“Our advocacy will include town hall meetings, engagement with community leaders and stakeholders, and the use of various media platforms—radio, television, newspapers, social media, and billboards.
“The goal is to educate Nigerians on the implications of vandalism and encourage them to see power infrastructure as community assets,” he stated.
