Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu has given insights as to why residents of Abuja, Benin, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan are currently suffering from epileptic power supply.
As a result, the Minister has summoned the Chief Executives of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to an emergency meeting.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Adelabu as saying efforts had been made to improve electricity supply in the aforementioned cities but that it is disheartening that power supply continue to deteriorate.
The Minister of Power disclosed that his ministry has been exerting pressure on the Generating Companies (GENCOs) to enhance their performance, resulting in a recent increase in generation to over 4000MW.
He said despite the progress made, certain distribution companies are failing to adequately distribute the power supplied by TCN, while acknowledging that vandalism of power infrastructure exacerbates the problem in the regions.
While urging electricity consumers to remain patient with the present epileptic power supply, Adelabu said plans are underway to settle outstanding debts owed to power generation and gas supply companies.
In a statement released via his official Facebook page, Adelabu wrote:
“As the Minister of Power, I am deeply concerned about the deteriorating electricity supply across the country.
“In response to this pressing issue, I have summoned the Chief Executives of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), as well as the Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), to a crucial meeting.
“The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the worsening power supply in their respective regions and to collectively find lasting solutions.
“It is disheartening to witness the decline in power supply despite the concerted efforts to improve the situation.
“The Ministry has been exerting pressure on the Generating Companies (GENCOs) to enhance their performance, resulting in a recent increase in generation to over 4000MW.
“Despite this progress, certain distribution companies are failing to adequately distribute the power supplied by TCN, while vandalism of power infrastructure exacerbates the problem in regions such as Abuja, Benin, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan.
“Moving forward, I am committed to holding all distribution companies accountable for their performance. Willful non-performance will not be tolerated, and severe consequences, including license revocation, may be imposed.
“Additionally, I have instructed TCN to prioritize repair works on damaged transmission towers and power lines to improve supply in affected regions.
“During recent supervisory visits to power generating plants, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by the sector.
“Plans are underway to settle outstanding debts owed to power generation and gas supply companies, which will alleviate the financial strain and contribute to improved generation levels nationwide.
“I urge electricity consumers to remain patient as we work tirelessly to address these issues and provide better service to all Nigerians”.