The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, (AEDC) has announced its decision to disconnect 24 federal government establishments, including the Federal Ministry of Finance as well as Kogi and Niger States over unpaid electricity bills.
Various ministries, departments, and agencies collectively owe the company over N100 billion, it claimed.
The company emphasised the importance of timely bill payments for maintaining and improving its infrastructure, which is essential for delivering reliable electricity services to the community.
The AEDC’s statement reads: “This is to inform the general public that AEDC will disconnect all customers with outstanding electricity bills on June 3, 2024. Timely payment of electricity bills is crucial for the continued operation and enhancement of AEDC’s infrastructure, ensuring we can deliver efficient and reliable service to our community. We therefore urge all customers with debts to pay all outstanding bills before the deadline to avoid service interruption.”
The organisations facing disconnection on Monday include: Nigeria Army; Nigeria Air Force; Defence Headquarters; Federal Capital Development Authority; Kogi State Government; Niger State Government; Nigeria Police Force Headquarters and Nigerian Army Barracks.
Others are: Power House; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) House I; Head of Service; Federal Ministry of Education; Federal Ministry of Women Affairs; Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment; Federal Ministry of Interior; Federal Ministry of Water Resources.
Also pencilled down for the Monday disconnection are: National Stadium; Goodluck Jonathan Athletics Hall; Federal Ministry of Finance; Federal Ministry of Education; Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (Budget); Federal Ministry of Works; Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Abuja and all other customers owing AEDC
On Friday, the AEDC reiterated its call for all customers with outstanding debts to settle their bills before the deadline on Monday to avoid disconnection.
The situation remains tense as Nigerians wait to see if the government will settle the debt or if major institutions will face power outages. The coming days will be crucial in determining the impact on residents and government operations.
This move by the AEDC underscores the significant financial strain that unpaid bills can place on utility providers, potentially affecting the quality and reliability of essential services. The company urges all indebted customers to act swiftly to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply.
Last week, the Chairman of Transnational Corporation (Transcorp Group, part owners of the AEDC), Mr. Tony Elumelu, pleaded with the Federal Government to prevail on the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) to repay the over N2 trillion it owes to power generation companies (GENCOs).
Elumelu explained that despite the substantial debts, GENCOs continue to produce electricity, thereby effectively subsidizing the sector. “This situation hampers their ability to pay gas suppliers, leading to reduced and unreliable gas supplies, which are crucial since 80 percent of Nigeria’s power comes from gas-fired plants” he said
