The Federal Government has threatened to revoke the licences of power distribution companies (DisCos) over the continuous trend of poor power supply across the country.
Disclosing this in a statement posted on his X handle on Wednesday, Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, said the Chief Executives of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, and the Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria have been summoned to a crucial meeting to explain the current spate of poor power supply nationwide.
“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.” the statement partly reads
Lamenting the recent decline in electricity supply, the minister said, “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 4000 MW.
“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.”
On efforts being made to solve the lingering problem, Adelabu reiterated his commitment to hold the distribution companies accountable for their performance. He also warned of consequences for power distribution companies over poor power supply.
“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 licence 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. 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.” the minister said.
