The Federal Government has begun moves aimed at protecting the nation’s critical power infrastructure as it ramps efforts towards providing quality, stable and affordable electricity to Nigerians.

Speaking while receiving members of the Civil-Military Committee on Energy Security, in his office, Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu said the issue of vandalism has been a major concern to the Federal Government, particularly on critical national assets, adding that the matter is being handled with all the seriousness it deserves.
He challenged Nigerians to take ownership of such national assets as continuous debasing of such national assets would continue to retard the nation’s development and efforts to provide electricity to Nigerians.

The Minister said that to demonstrate the commitment of the Federal Government to providing electricity to Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu assented to the legislation to deregulate the power sector, thereby making the sector free of the encumbrances that had hindered its efficient performance.

As part of efforts to improve and build on existing infrastructure, Adelabu disclosed that he has taken measures to discard old structures that successive governments have ignored in addressing the problems with power supply to Nigerians.

The Minister commended members of the group for their patriotism, zeal and commitment to safeguarding the nation’s assets and admonished them to continue in that spirit. He also promised the ministry's co-operation and collaboration with them in their assignment.

Earlier, the leader of the group, Adams Otako said the importance of the energy sector in the nation’s development motivated their desire to embark on their effort to provide security for such national assets.

According to him, the Committee was formed in 2019 and they have devoted their time towards guarding the assets of the country in their little way.

The body consist of the Civil Defence, the State Security Department, the Fire Service, other civil society groups among others.