The Nigerian Vanguard Newspaper reports that the Federal Government has issued a stern warning to power distribution companies (DisCos) amidst the ongoing nationwide power shortage crisis. This announcement came from the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, in a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja.
Expressing deep concern over the continuous inadequate electricity distribution despite the generation companies’ increase in power output to 4000MW, Minister Adelabu summoned the chief executives of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IEDC), alongside the Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), to explain the persistent challenges in power distribution across the country.
In his statement, Minister Adelabu emphasized the Ministry’s efforts to pressure generating companies (GENCOs) to enhance their performance. However, he pointed out the failure of certain distribution companies to adequately distribute the power supplied by TCN, attributing it to exacerbating factors such as vandalism of power infrastructure in regions including Abuja, Benin, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan.
Moving forward, Minister Adelabu assured that distribution companies would be held accountable for their performance, and willful non-performance will face severe consequences, including license revocation. Additionally, he instructed TCN to prioritize repair works on damaged transmission towers and power lines to improve supply in affected regions.
Furthermore, Minister Adelabu disclosed ongoing efforts to clear debts owed to companies involved in power generation and gas supply, aiming to reduce financial burdens and enhance power generation nationwide. He urged electricity consumers to remain patient as the government works tirelessly to address these issues and provide better service to all Nigerians.
In a backstory, it was reported that the Federal Government had accused certain electricity distribution companies of intentionally refusing to accept power supply from TCN, exacerbating the ongoing power crisis. This refusal, seen as a significant factor contributing to the persistent issues within the power sector, has led to widespread electricity shortages across the nation.
In response to these challenges, Minister Adelabu disclosed the government’s intention to issue queries to underperforming power distribution companies. The Ministry of Power, through its Special Adviser on Strategic Communication and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, expressed grave concerns over the deteriorating power supply situation, signaling a firm stance towards resolving the crisis and ensuring efficient electricity distribution nationwide.