The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has again condemned another attack, forceful abduction, intimidation, assault, brutalisation of the staff and destruction of the facilities at the substation of Eko Electricity Distribution Company in Badagry, Lagos State by personnel of the Nigerian Army, saying this occurred because the Nigerian Air Force got away with an earlier attack.
The attack on EKEDC, which took place on March 14, 2025, followed a temporary power outage in the Badagry area of Lagos State.
It comes less than a week after a similar assault on the staff and infrastructure of Ikeja Electric Distribution Company by the Nigerian Air Force.
Adelabu described the vandalisation, destruction, and forceful abduction of staff as not only unacceptable, but also a direct threat to the stability of Nigeria’s power supply and the economic well-being of the country.
He called on the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, to intervene by calling security operatives to order, adding that there are ways such issues could be handled without resorting to violence, especially in a democratic setting.
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In a statement issued on Wednesday by Bolaji Tunji, the Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the Minister, Adelabu noted that electricity infrastructure is the backbone of the Nigerian economy and a critical enabler of development.
He said: “Attacks on these facilities and staff on duty undermine the efforts of the Federal Government to ensure stable and reliable power supply to homes, businesses, and public institutions.
“The repeated targeting of power infrastructure and the personnel of distribution companies by uniformed personnel, who are expected to protect national assets, are deeply troubling and raises serious concerns about discipline and accountability within our armed forces.”
The statement further noted that the Nigerian Army was emboldened to attack EKEDC facilities and staff because of the silence of the Federal Government on the earlier invasion of Ikeja Electric by the Nigerian Air Force, adding: “The NSA has to wade into this matter in order to forestall further attacks.”
The Minister said the attack on EKEDC substation has resulted in significant damage, leading to power outages and disruptions in service to thousands of customers.
He said: “This comes at a time when the government is working tirelessly to improve the efficiency and reliability of the power sector.
“Such actions are counterproductive and sabotage the collective progress we are striving to achieve.”
Adelabu called on the Nigerian Army to immediately investigate this incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.
He said: “The Ministry of Power also urges the military high command to take urgent steps to educate and sensitise its personnel on the importance of protecting critical national infrastructure.
“The repeated occurrence of such incidents suggests a systemic issue that must be addressed with the utmost urgency.”
Adelabu said the ministry remains committed to working with all stakeholders to safeguard power infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to all Nigerians.
The Minister said though he recognises the sensitive role of the military in safeguarding the country and protecting its assets, it should see the power sector as a partner in progress and not its enemy.
He added: “We appeal to all Nigerians, including members of the armed forces, to recognise the importance of protecting our power infrastructure.
“These facilities are vital to our collective prosperity, and their destruction harms us all.”
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