In a joint statement issued on Sunday, the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs) have called for the immediate resignation of Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adelabu Adebayo, citing incompetence and failure to address the country’s persistent electricity crisis.
The statement, signed by James Ezema, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of CNPP, and Alhaji Ali Abacha, National Secretary of CNCSOs, described Minister Adelabu as “a round peg in a square hole,” criticizing his inability to manage the power sector effectively.
The groups pointed to longstanding electricity shortages, with over 40% of Nigerians still lacking access to power. Those connected to the national grid face an inconsistent electricity supply, fluctuating between 2,000MW and 4,000MW—levels that have remained largely unchanged since the 1980s.
Highlighting the economic impact of the power crisis, the coalition noted that unreliable electricity has led to business closures, job losses, and stunted economic growth. They also faulted the minister for failing to implement the Nigerian Electricity Act of 2023, which allows decentralized power generation and public-private partnerships to improve energy supply.
“His inability to attract local and international investment has worsened Nigeria’s electricity challenges and undermined economic recovery,” the statement read.
The demand for Minister Adelabu’s resignation follows a report by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), which recorded three total grid collapses and two partial collapses in the last quarter of 2024.
Over the course of the year, Nigeria experienced 12 grid collapses, exacerbating the country’s energy woes. Despite these failures, Nigerians paid a record N509.84 billion to electricity distribution companies in the same period, an increase from N466.69 billion in the previous quarter.
The CNPP and CNCSOs also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reassign Minister Adelabu to another ministry within seven days, arguing that his expertise in finance, hospitality, entertainment, agriculture, and real estate does not qualify him for managing the power sector.
“His appointment appears to be a case of political patronage rather than merit, and his performance has validated our concerns,” the groups stated.
Beyond the power sector, the coalition expressed broader dissatisfaction with the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, which they claim have increased hardship and discontent among Nigerians. While acknowledging the President’s efforts toward national development, they warned that incompetent appointees threaten these initiatives and erode public trust.
“The power sector is too vital to Nigeria’s progress to be left in the hands of individuals without the necessary expertise and vision. Minister Adelabu must resign or be reassigned immediately to prevent further damage to Nigeria’s economy and the well-being of its citizens,” the statement concluded.
The coalition vowed to continue monitoring government ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure they prioritize the interests of the Nigerian people.