Public confidence in Adebayo Adelabu has weakened. The shift is driven by a simple issue: power supply remains unstable despite repeated promises of improvement.
Between late December 2025 and January 2026, the national grid collapsed several times within weeks. For many households and businesses, this meant sudden blackouts, damaged appliances, and lost income. These events shaped public opinion more than official projections.
The government has acknowledged the problem. The Minister issued a public apology, admitting that outages have increased hardship. He pointed to gas supply issues and ageing infrastructure. For many Nigerians, those explanations are not new.
Tariffs have added to the frustration. Under the Band A system, some customers now pay over N200 per kilowatt-hour. The expectation was clear: higher cost should mean more stable power. In reality, supply remains inconsistent. This gap between payment and service is a major source of anger.
There are also perception issues. Past comments suggesting electricity is underpriced, or that Nigerians misuse power, have not been well received. At a time of rising living costs, such statements appear disconnected from everyday experience. Policy efforts do exist. The Electricity Act 2023 allows states and private players to enter the power market. Metering programs and transmission upgrades are ongoing. Generation has reportedly increased compared to previous years.
However, these gains are not yet visible to most consumers. Power supply is still unreliable, and many rely on generators for daily needs.
Another concern is trust. Reports that government facilities are moving to independent power sources raise questions about long-term commitment to the national grid. Should citizens continue to stay on the ship when the captains seem ready to abandon it completely?
The central issue is not policy design but delivery. Nigerians are watching to see whether current reforms will produce stable electricity or remain plans without results.
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