Calls for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove Adebayo Adelabu, the minister of power, have increased as a result of ongoing blackouts in several Nigerian states.
The supply of energy has been inconsistent over the last four months, with generating levels varying between 2,000 and 4,000 megawatts—much less than what a population of more than 250 million would require. Electricity distribution firms only received 2,855 megawatts as of March 29, 2026, demonstrating the extent of the deficit.
While generator firms (Gencos) claim gas supply restrictions related to growing debts apparently surpassing N4 trillion, electricity distribution businesses (Discos) have attributed the problem to decreased generation.
The crisis has left households and businesses struggling with unreliable power supply nationwide.
Recall that Adelabu recently apologised to Nigerians and acknowledged the difficulties facing the industry in the face of public outrage.
Speaking at the All Progressives Congress convention, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stated that the establishment of Grid Asset Management Company, or GAMCO, is a possible way to deal with the structural and financial problems facing the industry.
“Many of you are lamenting the problem of electricity; we are paying attention to it. The GAMCO will inject 150,000 MW into the electricity corridors,” he said.
Many Nigerians, however, contend that policy recommendations and apologies are no longer adequate and need for quick, noticeable changes.
Calls for Adelabu’s resignation intensify
Eze Onyekpere, lead director of the Center for Social Justice, described Adelabu’s performance as dismal and demanded his immediate dismissal in an interview with DAILY POST.
Onyekpere insisted that the industry will not benefit from the minister’s ongoing tenure, criticising him for lacking creativity and direction.
Additionally, he reminded President Tinubu of his campaign pledge to enhance the availability of energy.
He emphasised that leadership in such a crucial sector necessitates clear vision and strong action, claiming that the existing reality in the electricity sector fall well short of expectations.
He insisted that Adelabu should either step down or be stripped of his responsibilities, stressing that more significant reforms and capable leadership are ultimately more significant than a simple staff change.
Governance failure, not ministerial incompetence — Prof. Wumi
In contrast, Wumi Iledare, Professor Emeritus of Petroleum Economics, contended in an interview with DAILY POST that structural governance shortcomings, not the minister’s skill, are the cause of the issue.
Iledare contended that placing the blame on Adelabu would not solve the fundamental structural problems afflicting the industry.
He insisted that the federal government should review the initial structure of the privatisation of the power sector and take accountability for the current issues.
On solutions, Iledare advocated for decentralizing the electricity market into regional systems, where states collaborate rather than operate in isolation.
Additionally, he demanded improved coordination within the Ministry of Power and more robust institutional frameworks.
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