NSA Urged to Halt Military Interference in Discos

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has strongly condemned the recent attacks on power distribution companies (Discos) by military personnel, calling on the National Security Adviser (NSA) to intervene and put an end to the violence.

The attacks on Discos have been a recurring issue, with the latest incident occurring on March 14 at the Eko Electricity Distribution Company in Badagry, Lagos State. The attack, which was carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Army, resulted in the destruction of property and the intimidation of staff.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, Adelabu described the attacks as “unacceptable” and a “direct threat to the stability of Nigeria’s power supply and the economic well-being of the country.”

The minister called on the NSA, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, to intervene and call the military personnel to order. He emphasized that there are ways to resolve issues without resorting to violence, especially in a democratic setting.

Adelabu highlighted the importance of protecting power infrastructure, stating that it is the backbone of the Nigerian economy and a critical enabler of development. He noted that attacks on power infrastructure and staff undermine the efforts of the Federal Government to ensure stable and reliable power supply.

The minister condemned the repeated targeting of power infrastructure and personnel by uniformed personnel, who are expected to protect national assets. He described the attacks as “deeply troubling” and raised concerns about discipline and accountability within the armed forces.

The attack on the Eko Electricity Distribution Company has resulted in significant damage, leading to power outages and disruptions in service to thousands of customers. Adelabu noted that this comes at a time when the government is working tirelessly to improve the efficiency and reliability of the power sector.

The minister called on the Nigerian Army to immediately investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice. He also urged the military high command to take urgent steps to educate and sensitise its personnel to the importance of protecting critical national infrastructure.

In conclusion, the Minister of Power has condemned the recent attacks on Discos by military personnel, calling on the NSA to intervene and put an end to the violence. The minister emphasized the importance of protecting power infrastructure and personnel, and called on the military to investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.