The federal government has leveled accusations against some electricity distribution companies (DisCos), alleging that they are deliberately shirking responsibility by refusing to accept power supply from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), thus exacerbating the ongoing power crisis.
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, expressed concern over the worsening power supply situation, as conveyed by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communication and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji.
Adelabu disclosed plans by the federal government to scrutinize non-performing power distribution companies, intending to issue queries and possibly revoke licenses for underperformance.
Adelabu convened meetings with the chief executives of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to address the deteriorating power supply in their respective regions.
The managing director of TCN, Sule Ahmed Abdulazeez, was also summoned over the worsening power situation.
In a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Power, it was emphasized that non-performing DisCos would face sanctions, including license revocation, due to their failure to address the worsening power supply situation in their regions.
The statement highlighted the summoning of the aforementioned DisCos and TCN’s managing director, citing the deteriorating power supply despite improved supply from TCN.
Gas shortages and damaged power lines due to vandalism in Abuja, Benin, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan were identified as contributing factors.
Adelabu underscored the ministry’s pressure on Generating Companies (GENCOs) to enhance performance, resulting in a recent increase in generation to over 4000MW.
He expressed anticipation for improved power supply nationwide, attributing the ongoing issues to deliberate negligence by some distribution companies and vandalism of power infrastructure.
Moving forward, the minister emphasized a focus on compelling all DisCos to meet expected performance standards.
Willful non-performance may result in severe punishment or license revocation, he warned. Additionally, TCN was instructed to promptly initiate repair works on damaged transmission towers and power lines to enhance supply in affected regions.
