During a recent budget defense session before the Senate Committee on Power, Nigeria's Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, revealed that the Federal Ministry of Power operated without any capital allocation in the 2025 budget. Despite this fiscal setback, he emphasized that the ministry continued to fulfill its supervisory and regulatory roles within the electricity sector. Adelabu's comments highlight the ongoing challenges faced by governmental bodies due to budgetary constraints, which have raised concerns amongst lawmakers regarding the effectiveness of public spending in critical sectors like power.

Adelabu reacted to the dire implications of a zero capital release, stating it had significantly slowed down activities across various ministries, departments, and agencies. However, he reassured the Senate Committee that measures were being taken to prevent similar issues in the future, particularly as the government prepares for the 2026 fiscal year. He committed to improved performance, suggesting that the identification of fiscal lapses had been recognized, and that efforts to rectify these issues would be prioritized going forward.

This situation underscores the importance of consistent funding for ministries that govern vital sectors. As the minister mentioned that while salaries and overhead costs were fully implemented, the lack of capital expenditure raises questions about infrastructure development and long-term project implementation in Nigeria's electricity sector. The ability to maintain momentum in power reforms amidst funding challenges will be crucial for the government’s broader goals of improving electricity supply and reliability in the country, especially in light of increasing demand and economic growth.