The Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu has called for an urgent meeting with key stakeholders in the power sector. The minister’s call is in response to the decline in electricity supply throughout Nigeria.
Summoning the chief executives of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, alongside the Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the Minister said he aims to address the pressing issue and seek lasting solutions.
In a statement on X (Twitter), the Minister expressied deep concern over the worsening power supply, emphasising the Ministry’s efforts to improve the situation.
Despite recent increases in power generation to over 4000 megawatts, certain distribution companies are failing to effectively distribute the power supplied by TCN. Moreover, vandalism of power infrastructure in regions including Abuja, Benin, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan exacerbates the problem.
“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 prioritise 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”, he added.
According to the Minister, 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”, he said.
The Minister’s full statement: “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”.
