There is a divide within the National Association of Nigerian Students concerning the performance of the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu.
Adebayo faced criticism recently after the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission announced an increase in electricity tariffs for Band A consumers from N68 to N225 per kilowatt hour. Band A consumers are those who receive a minimum of 20 hours of electricity daily.
The factional Senate President of NANS, Akinteye Babatunde, expressed concerns about the worsening power situation under the minister’s leadership. He called for Adelabu’s resignation due to the perceived lack of progress in providing stable power.
In contrast, Ekundayo Elvis, another factional Senate President, disagreed with Babatunde’s assessment. Elvis urged patience from Nigerians and highlighted the minister’s efforts in implementing reforms and driving projects to address challenges in the power sector, including generation, transmission, and distribution.
Elvis praised the minister’s commitment to completing power plant projects, resolving liquidity issues in the sector, and expanding rural electrification programs. He expressed confidence that Adelabu’s initiatives will lead to improvements in power supply nationwide.
Despite criticisms from certain quarters, Elvis reaffirmed support for the minister and criticized those who he believed were unfairly attacking the ministry under his leadership for personal gain.
Elvis encouraged the minister to remain focused and not be swayed by detractors, assuring him of the backing of the student body.