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Electricity Crisis: HURIWA Slams Power Minister Over Failures
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly criticized the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, over what it described as incompetence, failed leadership, and unnecessary foreign trips while the country grapples with a worsening electricity crisis.
This was detailed in a statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, in Abuja, on Monday, in which the HURIWA expressed disappointment that despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s campaign promise to improve electricity supply, the situation has continued to deteriorate.
The rights group highlighted the frequent collapse of the national grid, erratic power supply, and increasing electricity tariffs that have negatively impacted businesses and the economy.
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“Reports indicate that Nigeria’s national grid experienced at least 12 collapses in 2024, with another recorded in March 2025. These failures have led to widespread power outages across the country, with little explanation from the Ministry of Power beyond references to gas shortages, vandalism, or system disturbances. The recurring collapses have exacerbated economic hardships, leaving millions of citizens and businesses struggling to cope with unreliable power supply,” the HURIWA frowned.
Citing data from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the HURIWA noted that the national grid has collapsed at least 141 times in the past decade, with 46 recorded between 2017 and 2024. In 2023 alone, the grid failed more than 10 times, plunging millions of Nigerians into darkness. The group recalled that in September 2023, the national grid collapsed twice in one week, while another failure in February 2024 left major cities such as Lagos and Abuja without electricity for days.
The HURIWA criticized power sector officials for treating these failures as routine occurrences instead of taking decisive corrective measures. It compared Nigeria’s situation to developed nations, where even a single power failure prompts swift government intervention. The group referenced the United Kingdom’s 2019 power outage, which led to an immediate response, contrasting it with Nigeria’s lack of urgency in addressing persistent blackouts.
According to the group, while developed countries invest heavily in maintaining and upgrading their power infrastructure, Nigeria continues to rely on outdated and poorly managed facilities that are prone to frequent breakdowns.
The association also condemned Adelabu’s frequent international travels, questioning their impact on resolving Nigeria’s power issues. Investigations reveal that since assuming office, the minister has travelled to countries including Barbados, Tanzania, Japan, and the United States, as well as meeting with the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria.
However, the HURIWA argued that these trips have not translated into tangible improvements in electricity supply. The group insisted that rather than embarking on foreign trips, the minister should focus on implementing policies that would address the fundamental issues plaguing the power sector, such as poor infrastructure, inadequate funding, and lack of transparency.
The HURIWA emphasized the severe consequences of unreliable electricity on businesses, stating that high costs of alternative power sources have forced many to shut down. It noted that hospitals have also struggled to provide critical medical services due to power outages, further endangering lives. The group stressed that industries that rely heavily on electricity, such as manufacturing and technology, have been forced to either downsize operations or relocate to other countries with stable power supply, leading to job losses and economic decline.
The rights group accused the minister of prioritizing personal luxury over national duty and urged President Tinubu to immediately restructure the power ministry.
It called for the replacement of the current leadership with competent professionals and the implementation of accountability measures to ensure improved performance. The HURIWA also urged the government to introduce policies that would encourage private sector participation in power generation and distribution, as seen in other countries with more efficient electricity systems.
The HURIWA further demanded a full audit of the funds allocated to the power sector under the Tinubu administration, questioning why billions of naira budgeted for electricity projects have not translated into improved supply.
It also called on the National Assembly to summon Adelabu for questioning over the persistent failures in the sector. The group emphasized that Nigerians deserve to know how public funds allocated for electricity infrastructure have been spent and whether there has been any mismanagement or diversion of resources.
The group warned that if urgent action is not taken, it would mobilize citizens for mass protests to demand accountability from the government. It stressed that Nigerians deserve better and that the ongoing electricity crisis must be addressed without further delays.
In addition, the HURIWA called on civil society organizations, labour unions, and business communities to join in demanding immediate reforms in the power sector, stating that electricity is a fundamental necessity for national development and economic prosperity. The rights group insisted that if the government fails to take meaningful steps towards resolving the crisis, Nigerians should not hesitate to take to the streets in peaceful demonstrations to demand their right to a stable and reliable power supply.
With the worsening power situation, the HURIWA’s demands reflect the frustrations of millions of Nigerians who have endured decades of failed promises and ineffective reforms. Whether the government will heed these calls for change remains to be seen, but the group maintains that urgent and decisive action is needed to prevent further economic deterioration and hardship for citizens.
Nigeria is preparing to increase electricity exports to Togo through the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), even as many Nigerians continue to experience power shortages at home.
The move comes as Togo seeks to meet rising domestic electricity demand.
The Managing Director/CEO of NDPHC, Jennifer Adighije, confirmed the development following discussions with Togo’s national electricity utility, Compagnie Energie Electrique du Togo (C.E.E.T).
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The visiting C.E.E.T delegation was led by its Director-General, Débo‑K’mba Barandao, who described the talks as productive and aimed at strengthening regional energy cooperation.
Barandao said C.E.E.T currently imports about 75 megawatt-hours of electricity from NDPHC under a bilateral arrangement.
“The imported electricity has played a significant role in sustaining stable power supply and economic activities across Togo,” he noted.
He added that rising electricity demand, especially in the industrial and commercial sectors, alongside government efforts to expand national access, has prompted the utility to seek additional supply.
According to Barandao, Nigerian electricity imports help maintain reliable and affordable power for households, businesses, and public institutions across Togo.
He commended NDPHC for its consistency, saying the partnership has strengthened Togo’s national grid and regional energy cooperation.
Responding, Adighije reiterated NDPHC’s readiness to deepen cooperation and sustain electricity exports to neighboring countries.
She emphasized that the company operates multiple plants under the National Integrated Power Project, with sufficient capacity to support increased regional supply.
She added that expanding electricity exports would require bankable and sustainable commercial arrangements between both parties.
“A reliable payment framework will safeguard NDPHC’s interests and enable continued support for regional energy stability through power exports,” Adighije said, highlighting the need for credible financial guarantees and structured payment mechanisms to reduce risks associated with cross-border electricity trade.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to developing workable frameworks for increased electricity supply from Nigeria to Togo.
Industry analysts say this reflects a growing effort among West African countries to deepen regional electricity trade and address persistent power shortages.
Former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has explained why he believes his retirement from the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force came at the perfect time, describing it as the fulfilment of God’s divine plan.
Egbetokun made the remarks during a retirement thanksgiving service held in his honour at the Force Headquarters Chapel in Abuja.
The event also featured the inauguration of the Police Chaplaincy building and was attended by senior police officers, clergy and other worshippers.
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Reflecting on his appointment as Inspector-General in 2023, the former police chief revealed that he never expected the role when it came.
According to him, the first thing he did after entering his office was to pray.
“I was not expecting the appointment when it came. The first thing I did when I entered the office alone was to pray,” he said.
Egbetokun disclosed that after assuming office, he made three personal prayers to God.
He said he prayed for wisdom to effectively lead the police institution, the grace to complete his tenure successfully, and the ability not to remain in office beyond the time divinely allotted to him.
“My first prayer was for wisdom to run the office, the second was for grace to end well, and the third was not to stay a day longer than God permits. I believe God has answered those prayers,” he added.
The retired police boss also reflected on his career journey, noting that faith played a significant role in his rise from his early days after graduating from the police academy to eventually becoming Nigeria’s top police officer.
He further recounted a dream he had before joining the force, in which he saw himself as a Deputy Inspector-General of Police travelling in a police vehicle bearing the registration number “NPF02.”
According to him, the experience later taught him that life can unfold in unexpected ways.
Egbetokun added that throughout his career he remained conscious of how his actions could influence public perception of the police, a reality he said guided his conduct while in office.
“I knew whatever I did would affect the image of the force, so I made it my duty to remain professional and uphold integrity, transparency and fairness,” he stated.
In his remarks, the Force Chaplain, Joshua Omoyele, commended Egbetokun for completing the Police Chaplaincy building project during his tenure, describing it as a lasting legacy.
Omoyele also praised the former police boss for his strong commitment to Christian service even before his appointment as Inspector-General, noting that he maintained that devotion throughout his time in office.
He further highlighted Egbetokun’s past roles in the police force, including his tenure as Commissioner of Police in Kwara State and Assistant Inspector-General in Zone 7.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has declared that airlines operating in Nigeria have come under financial pressure following a sharp increase in the price of Jet-A1, also known as aviation fuel.
According to the group, the price of aviation fuel, has surged to about N1,800 per litre in many parts of the country, from about N1,000 per litre two weeks ago. This amounts to almost an 80 per cent increase within a short period.
Aviation fuel remains the largest cost component in airline operations, accounting for about 30 to 35 per cent of total operating expenses.
Industry stakeholders have linked the latest spike to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has pushed up global energy prices.
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Speaking on Channels Television on Friday, the spokesperson for the Airline Operators of Nigeria, Prof Obiora Okonkwo, said the surge had placed airlines under severe financial strain.
According to him, most carriers have so far refrained from immediately transferring the additional cost burden to passengers, despite the pressure on their operations.
“Two weeks ago, we were getting Jet-A1 at about N1,000 per litre, which today is about N1,800, and even more in some stations. We have experienced an increase of about 80 per cent. That’s quite a spike,” Okonkwo said.
He explained that airlines were currently absorbing the losses in order to avoid worsening the economic burden on the travellers.
“We are not in a business where you can easily adjust your ticket price. Right now what we are doing is that we are bleeding. We are taking the blow. We are selling tickets at very non-profitable prices. We are losing a lot of money,” he said.
Okonkwo warned that the situation might not be sustainable if fuel prices continue to rise without government intervention.
“Obviously, adjustments will be expected anytime soon. But again, we are very sensitive to the economic situation of Nigerians and our travellers,” he added.
He noted that developments in the global oil market, particularly the recent release of reserve crude oil, could influence fuel prices in the coming weeks.
Okonkwo also urged the Federal Government to explore engagement with the Dangote Refinery as part of efforts to stabilise aviation fuel supply locally.
“We were more hopeless in a situation where there was no refinery in Nigeria in the last two years. Now that we have a refinery, we are hopeful that we can find a solution around it,” he said.
According to him, if the spike persists, some airlines may struggle to continue absorbing the losses associated with the rising cost of aviation fuel.
Meanwhile, the AON spokesperson also reacted to the decision by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to sanction about five airlines over alleged price fixing.
Okonkwo said while the commission has regulatory powers, the aviation sector remains deregulated, making coordinated price fixing unlikely.
“There is no meeting of airlines where they agree to fix prices. Fixing prices would mean operating as a cartel, and that is not the case,” he said.
He explained that airline ticket pricing varies widely because different aircraft types attract different operating costs.
“Each airline determines its fares based on its own operational costs,” he said.
Okonkwo added that airlines must also demonstrate financial viability to regulators as part of the conditions for maintaining their operating licences.
“At every point in time, you must prove to the regulators that you are financially viable and capable of sustaining operations,” he said.
He urged regulators to take into account the fragile nature of the aviation industry when making policy decisions affecting airlines.
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