Despite the recent tariff hike for Band A customers, Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has described electricity distribution companies (DisCos) as the weakest link in the country’s power sector, citing their continued poor performance, aging infrastructure, and financial mismanagement.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
Speaking during a two-day retreat of the Senate Committee on Power, Adelabu expressed frustration over how the inefficiencies of DisCos are undermining federal efforts to stabilise and improve electricity supply, despite increased power generation capacity and a more stable national grid.
The minister’s comments come in the wake of a significant 240% increase in electricity tariffs for Band A customers—from about N66 to N225 per kilowatt-hour—targeted at consumers who receive 20 hours or more of electricity daily. The tariff adjustment was aimed at improving liquidity in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) and bolstering the financial viability of DisCos. However, Adelabu noted that the tariff hike has not translated into any tangible service improvement, further exposing structural weaknesses in the power distribution segment.
“Millions of Nigerians remain without reliable electricity, not because of generation or transmission failures, but because the DisCos have failed to live up to their responsibilities,” he said.
Adelabu also decried the persistent vandalism of power infrastructure, warning that such acts amount to economic sabotage. He urged the National Assembly to enact stricter laws to criminalise vandalism, power theft, and illegal connections, noting that these acts should be treated as criminal offences rather than civil issues.
“Our towers are toppled, meters are bypassed, and people engage in power theft—these must be prosecuted as crimes,” he insisted.
Highlighting efforts by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the minister said 74 high-capacity transformers have been installed since the beginning of 2024, with investments running into hundreds of millions of dollars. However, despite these investments, TCN continues to struggle financially, operating solely on dwindling internally generated revenue (IGR). Adelabu called for the inclusion of TCN in federal budget appropriations to ensure the sustainability of transmission infrastructure development.
Ultimately, he placed the blame squarely on the DisCos, accusing them of failing to invest in critical infrastructure, remit revenues as required, or curb electricity theft.
“They are the weakest link in the power value chain. Without decisive reform, their failures will continue to stall Nigeria’s power progress,” Adelabu concluded.
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
