Amanze ChinonyeMinister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has declared that providing stable electricity to military bases across Nigeria is now a matter of national security.
Adelabu made this known when the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, visited him in Abuja.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe meeting, according to a statement by Adelabu’s media aide, Bolaji Tunji, was part of efforts by the Nigerian Air Force to strengthen collaboration with the power sector and secure a reliable electricity supply to Air Force bases nationwide.
“The President has issued a clear directive to prioritise power supply to military installations in barracks and bases. It’s a national security imperative,” Adelabu stated.
The minister described electricity as critical to the operational efficiency of military facilities and acknowledged challenges such as obsolete infrastructure and inadequate metering. The minister revealed that contracts awarded as far back as 2003 to provide metering for military sites are now being revived with renewed vigour.
Adelabu also disclosed ongoing discussions with Distribution Companies (DisCos) across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, aimed at resolving persistent power instability in military locations. He cited the recent commissioning of a 3.1MW mini-grid to power the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna as a model being expanded to other sites, including Jaji and several Air Force bases.
He added that future energy plans for the Armed Forces will incorporate renewable energy solutions, ensuring a cost-effective, stable, and sustainable power supply.
READ ALSO: Poor Power Supply: Plans Underway To Settle Debts Owed GenCos, Gas Suppliers – Minister
“The military is not a commercial entity. It is a strategic national institution that deserves tailored energy solutions reflecting its importance,” he noted.
In addition, the minister announced the ministry’s plans to replace outdated transformers in military facilities and host a high-level meeting with all 11 DisCos and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to forge a sustainable, sector-wide approach to power supply.
In his remarks, Air Marshal Abubakar praised the minister’s proactive energy reforms, noting that electricity is vital not only for economic growth but also for securing national defence infrastructure.
The Air Force chief also raised concerns about encroachments on dedicated transmission lines and appealed for the ministry’s support in tackling illegal connections and resolving long-standing billing disputes, especially with Ikeja Electric.
READ ALSO: DisCos Blame Technical Glitches For Inability To Maintain 20-Hour Power Supply
Abubakar reaffirmed the Air Force’s readiness to collaborate with the ministry to protect critical infrastructure and scale alternative energy adoption across all its installations.
Adelabu described the new alignment between the Ministry of Power and the Nigerian Air Force as a major step toward enhancing national resilience, energy security, and operational excellence.
Amanze Chinonye is a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria. With a unique voice that blends tradition with modernity, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday Nigerian life, from the bustling markets of Lagos to the quiet villages of the countryside. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
