The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly criticized the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, over his repeated calls for increased electricity tariffs, labeling the proposal as “insensitive” and a reflection of poor leadership.
In a statement signed by NANS Senate President, Comrade Usman Adamu, the student body expressed dismay at the minister’s continued advocacy for tariff hikes, arguing that such measures fail to address the systemic issues crippling Nigeria’s power sector.
“At a time when Nigerians are struggling with inflation, stagnant wages, and unreliable electricity, it is not only insensitive but a complete failure of leadership for the Honourable Minister to keep pushing for tariff increases,” the statement read.
NANS described the minister’s approach as reductive and dismissive of the deeper problems within the sector. “It is troubling that the Honourable Minister has simplified Nigeria’s power challenges to a repetitive chorus of price hikes,” they stated.
The group further accused Chief Adelabu of neglecting to hold electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) accountable, citing ongoing issues like inflated estimated bills, poor service delivery, and repeated failure to meet promised power supply levels—especially under service Bands C and D.
“These violations continue unchecked, and the Minister’s silence either signals complicity or gross negligence,” NANS said.
They also posed critical questions to the minister:
- What concrete steps are being taken to reform the power sector?
- What plans are in place to expand access to renewable energy?
“Rather than providing answers, the Minister continues to issue statements that appear disconnected from the realities faced by everyday Nigerians,” the students added.
In closing, NANS called for genuine leadership in the power ministry.
“Nigeria needs a visionary reformer in the Ministry of Power, not a tariff enthusiast. If Chief Adelabu cannot deliver meaningful change, he should consider stepping down.”
