ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Federal Government of Nigeria has threatened to revoke the licenses of Power Distribution Companies (DisCos) over the continuous power shortage across the country.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
Adelabu noted that, the ministry is deeply concerned about the ongoing inadequate electricity distribution by the Discos, despite the generation companies increasing power output to 4000MW.
He stated also that he has summoned chief executives of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IEDC), alongside the Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to explain the ongoing challenges in power distribution nationwide.
The minister said, “The ministry has been exerting pressure on the Generating Companies (GENCOs) to enhance their performance, resulting in a recent increase in generation to over 4000MW.
“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.
“Moving forward, I am committed to holding all distribution companies accountable for their performance.
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“Willful non-performance will not be tolerated, and severe consequences, including license revocation, may be imposed.
“Additionally, I have instructed TCN to prioritize repair works on damaged transmission towers and power lines to improve supply in affected regions.”
Speaking further, the minister revealed that steps are being taken to clear the debts owed to companies involved in power generation and gas supply, a move that will reduce financial burdens and enhance power generation across the country.
“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,” Adelabu added.
It was gathered that the Federal Government of Nigeria had earlier levelled accusations against certain electricity distribution companies (DisCos).
According to the government, these companies are intentionally not accepting power supply from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), which is worsening the ongoing power crisis.
The government claims that this refusal to take up electricity from TCN by the DisCos is seen as a significant factor contributing to the persistent issues within the power sector, leading to widespread electricity shortages across the nation.
Adelabu, through a statement from his Special Adviser on Strategic Communication and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, expressed his concerns over the deteriorating power supply situation.
Responding to these challenges, the minister disclosed that the Federal Government of Nigeria is preparing to issue queries to the power distribution companies that are not performing well.