AEDC Schedules Power Interruption in Abuja and Kogi

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has announced a planned power outage that will affect parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as well as some areas in Kogi State. According to the company, the outage is necessary to allow for critical maintenance work on its distribution infrastructure, aimed at improving the reliability and efficiency of electricity supply in the affected regions.

In a statement issued on Friday, the AEDC explained that the planned interruption would occur over a specified period, with affected customers duly informed in advance to make adequate arrangements. The company noted that the outage is part of its ongoing infrastructure upgrade programme, which includes replacing aging equipment, repairing faulty lines, and enhancing the capacity of its distribution network.

“We are committed to delivering improved and more stable power supply to our customers. To achieve this, periodic maintenance and upgrades are essential. The scheduled outage will enable our technical teams to carry out the necessary work safely and efficiently,” the statement read.

The company assured customers that the interruption would be temporary and limited to the specific areas where work is being carried out. It further noted that such projects are in line with its broader commitment to reducing system failures, minimising unplanned outages, and improving service delivery across its coverage area.

AEDC highlighted that power infrastructure in Nigeria has for years suffered from underinvestment and poor maintenance, resulting in frequent faults and service disruptions. The company stated that one of its strategic goals is to reverse this trend by investing in network expansion, modern technology, and preventive maintenance. “These outages, though inconvenient, are crucial to achieving long-term service stability,” the statement added.

In Abuja, some districts expected to be affected include parts of Garki, Wuse, Kubwa, and Nyanya, as well as surrounding suburbs. In Kogi State, the outage will cover certain parts of Lokoja and other communities supplied through the same transmission routes. AEDC said customers in these areas have been notified through multiple channels, including text messages, social media updates, and public announcements.

The utility firm urged customers to take precautionary measures during the outage period, including switching off appliances and equipment to prevent damage when supply is restored. It also encouraged businesses and households to make alternative arrangements for power, especially those relying on electricity for essential services.

Reacting to the announcement, some residents expressed mixed feelings. While some acknowledged the necessity of maintenance to improve service, others voiced frustration over the frequency of outages in recent months. “It’s understandable that they need to fix equipment, but power supply has been too unstable lately. We hope this really leads to improvement,” said James Odoh, a resident of Garki.

Small business owners in the affected areas also shared concerns about the economic impact of the outage, especially those without generators or alternative power sources. “Whenever there’s no light, we lose customers. I just hope they stick to the announced schedule so we can plan ahead,” said Maryam Musa, who runs a hairdressing salon in Lokoja.

Energy sector experts have often emphasised that Nigeria’s electricity supply challenges are not just a generation issue but also a transmission and distribution problem. While power generation has improved in recent years, bottlenecks in the distribution network have continued to cause frequent interruptions.

AEDC maintained that the planned outage is part of broader efforts to address these bottlenecks. The company recently announced a series of projects, including the replacement of undersized conductors, installation of new transformers, and reinforcement of feeder lines to reduce technical losses. It also hinted at ongoing collaborations with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to ensure that infrastructure upgrades are complemented across the power value chain.

Customer advocacy groups have urged the AEDC to ensure timely completion of the maintenance work to reduce inconvenience. They also called for transparency in communicating the schedule and progress of the outage to affected communities.

AEDC concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to quality service delivery. “We appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding during this period. Every effort will be made to complete the work as quickly as possible and restore supply promptly,” it said.

As the maintenance work approaches, residents in Abuja and Kogi are preparing for the brief period without electricity. While the inconvenience may be felt in homes, businesses, and public services, the company insists that the long-term benefits—more reliable power, reduced faults, and improved service—will outweigh the short-term disruption.

If the planned upgrade delivers on its promise, customers in the affected areas could see a reduction in unplanned outages and better overall supply stability in the coming months. However, for many Nigerians accustomed to erratic power supply, the real test will be in the consistency and reliability of service after the maintenance is complete.