The federal government has urgently summoned the chief executives of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, as well as the Managing Director of Transmission Company of Nigeria, Sule Abdulazeez, due to the worsening power supply situation nationwide since the start of this year.
The power supply situation has deteriorated significantly, partly attributed to the over $1 billion owed to gas producers who supply gas for thermal gas-fired power plants.
Additionally, vandalism of transmission towers in various parts of the country has caused grid disturbances and a continuous drop in electricity transmission.
Expressing concern over this situation, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, issued a directive through a letter signed by B.U Mustapha, Director of Distribution Services at the Federal Ministry of Power, summoning the CEOs of the Discos and TCN to attend a meeting in the coming week.
The aim is to address the issues and find lasting solutions.
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In a statement by the minister’s Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, Adelabu emphasized that the management of other underperforming distribution companies would also be questioned regarding their non-performance.
Adelabu noted that despite gas shortages, the ministry has been pressuring power generating companies to improve performance, resulting in generation ramping up to over 4,000 megawatts in recent days.
However, power supply has not improved across the country as expected due to various challenges.
The minister directed TCN to immediately commence repair works on damaged transmission towers and power lines to enhance supply in affected regions.
Adelabu had previously conducted supervisory visits to several power generating plants to assess infrastructure and expansion plans.
Plans are underway by the Federal Government to defray part of the outstanding debts owed to power generation companies and gas supply companies, which is expected to improve generation levels nationwide.
Adelabu appealed to electricity consumers to remain patient while efforts are made to improve the situation.
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