In a major cabinet reshuffle on Wednesday, October 23, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu removed five key ministers from his cabinet.
Notably, Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, retained his position despite widespread calls for his dismissal due to the ongoing power crisis in the country.
The reshuffle saw the removal of high-profile figures, including Barr Uju-Ken Ohanenye (women affairs), Lola Ade-John (tourism), and Prof. Tahir Mamman (education).
READ ALSO: Tinubu Sacks Five Ministers
However, Adelabu’s survival has sparked debate, especially following multiple national grid collapses that have left large parts of Northern Nigeria in darkness for extended periods, raising questions about the government’s priorities in addressing Nigeria’s electricity problem.
Grassroots Parrot reports that the minister of power’s retention has drawn sharp criticism, particularly in light of recent blackouts caused by national grid failures.
Just days before the reshuffle, a fault in the 330kV Ugwaji-Apir Double Circuit transmission lines led to a power outage that affected the North East, North West, and North Central regions of Nigeria, leaving many without electricity for days.
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Kunle Olubiyo, President of the Nigeria Consumer Protection Network, expressed frustration over the ongoing grid collapses, stating, “The situation has yet to be resolved.” Despite the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) confirming the technical issues, the recurring failures have led to increased pressure on Adelabu to step down.
Various groups, including the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), have openly called for Adelabu’s dismissal.
HURIWA accused the Minister of “policy inconsistencies” and failing to address Nigeria’s power sector woes. Student groups, including the National Association of Nigerian Students, also demanded his removal, citing the crippling impact of the blackouts on daily life.
READ ALSO: Again, Power Grid Collapses For Fourth Time In 2024
Despite these demands, President Tinubu’s reshuffle did not include changes to the Ministry of Power, leaving Adelabu in office and fueling speculation about the government’s strategy for the struggling power sector.
However, the reshuffle introduced new appointees, including Nentawe Yilwatda (Humanitarian Affairs) and Dr. Jumoke Oduwole (Industry, Trade, and Investment). Yet Adelabu’s retention has overshadowed these appointments, with many Nigerians questioning the decision to leave the country’s power crisis unaddressed at the ministerial level.
As the reshuffle sparks further debate, the future of Nigeria’s power sector remains uncertain, with citizens and industry experts awaiting further action from the government.