Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, has urged security agents to intensify efforts to protect Nigeria’s power assets, particularly from the growing threat of vandalism.

Adelabu, who made the plea during his defence of the ministry’s budget at the National Assembly Abuja, highlighted the critical need for comprehensive advocacy to combat the increasing acts of vandalism that have severely affected the country’s electricity infrastructure.

“One critical thing I want to draw your attention to is the issue of vandalisation as it concerns our assets,” the minister told the lawmakers.

He emphasised the interconnected nature of the power transmission system, stressing that damage to one component has widespread repercussions across the grid.

The minister advised that protecting these assets should be a shared responsibility, requiring the cooperation of security agencies at all levels.

Adelabu pointed out that the challenge extends beyond simple theft, with criminal elements, including bandits, employing sophisticated methods such as dynamite to destroy vital transmission towers and lines.