The President of the National Union of Electricity Employees, Mr. Adedeye Adebiyi, has called for urgent investment in Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure, saying outdated equipment, inadequate transmission capacity, vandalism and weak distribution networks continue to undermine reliable power supply across the country.
Speaking on Trade FM, Adebiyi said the challenges cut across the generation, transmission and distribution segments of the electricity value chain. He criticised the condition of several distribution networks, noting that many operate with ageing transformers, overloaded feeders and inadequate substations. He also raised concerns over poor metering and estimated billing, saying consumers continue to face difficulties when their electricity consumption is not accurately measured.
On generation and transmission, the NUEE president said Nigeria’s available generation capacity cannot deliver its full potential without adequate transmission and distribution infrastructure. He identified ageing transmission networks and vandalism as major threats, noting that some substations and transmission facilities have been affected by insecurity and inadequate protection. According to him, transmission towers carrying 330kV and 132kV lines in different parts of the country are also vulnerable to vandalism and encroachment.
Adebiyi also questioned the level of investment by private distribution companies, arguing that operators should demonstrate greater capacity to invest in and improve the networks they acquired. He urged the regulatory authorities to hold underperforming distribution companies accountable and ensure that operators meet their service obligations.
The union leader further criticised what he described as inadequate attention to workers’ welfare within the power sector. He identified casualisation, pension and gratuity issues, disparities in remuneration and stagnation in promotion as some of the concerns affecting electricity workers. He maintained that poor treatment of workers could negatively affect productivity and industrial relations within the sector.
On electricity theft and vandalism, Adebiyi called for stronger security around power infrastructure, including routine patrols and the deployment of monitoring technology capable of detecting suspicious activities around transmission towers and other facilities. He also urged consumers to desist from bypassing electricity meters, stressing that energy theft affects both government and investors and undermines the electricity supply chain.
Adebiyi said the National Union of Electricity Employees would continue engaging government agencies, electricity companies and other stakeholders to find solutions to the challenges confronting the sector. He expressed optimism that stronger collaboration could help increase generation, improve transmission capacity and ensure distribution companies provide better services to consumers.
He stressed that sustained investment across the entire electricity value chain, alongside improved security, effective regulation, protection of workers’ rights and greater cooperation among government, operators, workers and consumers, would be critical to achieving a more reliable and sustainable electricity system in Nigeria.
NUEE President Calls for Urgent Investment in Nigeria’s Power Infrastructure
