The federal government has issued a stern warning to power distribution companies (DisCos) regarding the ongoing nationwide power shortages, threatening to revoke their licenses.
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, delivered this message in a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja.
Expressing deep concern over the persistent electricity distribution challenges, despite an increase in power output to 4000MW by generation companies, Adelabu announced measures to address the situation.
He revealed that he has summoned the chief executives of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IEDC), and the Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to explain the difficulties in power distribution.
Despite efforts to boost power generation, certain distribution companies are failing to distribute electricity adequately, exacerbating the situation in regions like Abuja, Benin, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan, Adelabu noted. He emphasized the ministry’s commitment to hold all DisCos accountable, warning of severe consequences, including license revocation, for willful non-performance.
Furthermore, Adelabu outlined plans to settle outstanding debts owed to power generation and gas supply companies, aiming to alleviate financial strain and improve generation levels nationwide. He urged electricity consumers to remain patient as efforts are underway to address the issues and provide better service.
In response to the allegations against DisCos for not accepting power supply from TCN, exacerbating the power crisis, Adelabu, through his Special Adviser on Strategic Communication and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, revealed plans to issue queries to underperforming distribution companies.
