In a move aimed at addressing the worsening power situation in the country, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has summoned the heads of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) for a meeting. The Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Sule Abdulazeez, was also included in the summons.
This action comes amidst frustrations nationwide over persistent power outages, particularly concerning since the Ministry reported increased generation capacity exceeding 4,000 megawatts. The Minister pointed out the discrepancy between improved generation and the ongoing power cuts in Abuja and Ibadan, specifically.
While acknowledging gas shortages as a national challenge, the Ministry emphasized its efforts in pressuring generating companies to boost output. The focus now shifts to the distribution companies, with the Minister suggesting some DisCos may not be taking up the available power from the national grid.
A statement on Saturday by the minister’s Special Adviser, Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, quoted Adelabu as saying that the management of other non-performing discos would also be queried over non-performance as reports continue to filter in on situation in their regions.
“These two discos have been summoned due to the worsening power supply situation in their regions despite improved supply from TCN,” the power minister stated.
The outcome of the meeting and any potential solutions remain to be seen. However, this move by the Federal Government signifies a growing urgency to tackle the persisting power supply problems plaguing Nigerians, particularly in Abuja and Ibadan.
