The Minister of Power, Bayo
Adelabu has summoned the Chief Executives of Abuja Electricity Distribution
Company (AEDC), Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), and the
Managing Director, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), to a ‘crucial
meeting’ over erratic electricity supply facing the country.
Weeks ago, Adelabu, had
identified the root cause of the ongoing electricity blackout as the shortage
of gas supply to electricity generation companies and outstanding debts owed to
producers.
On his verified "X"
page on Wednesday, March 6, Adelabu said: “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.
Adelabu offered reassurance to
Nigerians, stating that measures are being taken to address these challenges,
leading to a gradual increase in the availability of electricity across the
nation.
“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.”
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