Amid the nationwide concern over the deteriorating power supply, The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has announced plans to summon the Chief Executives of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) over the worsening power supply in their respective regions.
The Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has been summoned to discuss the deteriorating power situation.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Bolaji Tunji, Minister Adelabu stated the severity of the situation, stating that “wilful non-performance by any DisCo could suffice as a reason for severe punishment or outright license revocation.”
The minister said that despite efforts to increase power generation, some distribution companies were deliberately not taking up power supply from TCN. Furthermore, instances of vandalism damaging power lines in regions such as Abuja, Benin, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan have exacerbated the crisis.
The statement revealed that the Ministry of Power has been pressuring Generating Companies (GENCOs) to improve performance, resulting in a recent increase in power generation to over 4000MW, despite gas shortages.
To Address the issue, Minister Adelabu directed TCN to commence immediate repair works on damaged transmission towers and power lines to improve supply in affected regions.
Recalling his recent supervisory visits to various power plants across the country, the minister assured stakeholders of the government’s commitment to addressing outstanding debts owed to power generation and gas supply companies.
