On Wednesday, the Federal Government issued a stern warning to power Distribution Companies (Discos), threatening to revoke their licenses due to persistent poor power supply throughout the country. Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, conveyed this message through his official handle, stating that 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 for a crucial meeting to address the ongoing challenges.
The purpose of the meeting, according to the minister, is to discuss the deteriorating power supply in their respective regions and collaboratively devise lasting solutions. Adelabu expressed dissatisfaction with the insufficient electricity distribution by the Discos, despite increased generation by the Generating Companies, which recently surpassed 4000MW. He cited issues with certain distribution companies failing to adequately distribute power supplied by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), coupled with power infrastructure vandalism exacerbating problems in regions like Abuja, Benin, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan.
The minister emphasized his commitment to holding all distribution companies accountable for their performance, warning that willful non-performance would not be tolerated, and severe consequences, including license revocation, might be imposed. Adelabu also instructed the TCN to prioritize repair works on damaged transmission towers and power lines to enhance supply in affected regions.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by the sector during recent supervisory visits to power-generating plants, the minister revealed plans to settle outstanding debts owed to power generation and gas supply companies. This move aims to alleviate financial strain and contribute to improved generation levels nationwide. Adelabu urged electricity consumers to remain patient as the government works tirelessly to address these issues and enhance services for all Nigerians.
