Nebo urges speedy action on epileptic power supply in Abuja

Abuja (Federal Ministry of Power Report) – The Minister of Power, Chinedu Nebo (Professor) has charged the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to urgently address the epileptic power supply in Abuja and the entire Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Minister observed that the erratic supply of power in Abuja and its environs, especially in key government establishments is slowing down the pace of work, which is greatly impeding the performance of government programmes and activities. He lamented that Abuja as the seat of power cannot afford to operate under low power supply; adding that the situation where most government establishments are starved of constant power supply is totally unacceptable.

Chinedu Nebo gave the directive when he paid an unscheduled visit to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to ascertain the challenges that caused the recent drop in the supply of power in the FCT with a view to collaborating with the Company for an immediate solution. He called on the Management of the Company to do a thorough check for correctable lapses as well as prioritize load shedding to ensure that equitable distribution of electricity. He observed that Nigeria which is presently wooing investors into the power sector would receive negative response from would-be investors, if confronted with darkness when they come to discuss business.

“There is cheering news from other cities about improvement in power supply, whereas Abuja where the major government transactions take place is unfortunately starved of the needed regular power supply”, the Minister reiterated.

In his brief remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power, Godknows Igali (Dr) enjoined the company to properly balance its load shedding with priority allocation to public buildings like the Federal Secretariat, the Office of the Head of Service as well as economic and health institutions – the Central Bank of Nigeria, hospitals and airports. He assured the electricity company of the Ministry’s support in tackling the challenges confronting it in the distribution of adequate power supplies to Abuja environs.

While responding to the remark, the Managing Director of the AEDC, Neil Croucher called for a political decision in the quantum of power supply to the FCT. He also noted that the amount of power supplied to Abuja has drastically reduced, demanding the company to ration power in order to satisfy all its customers. He stated that the issues raised by the Minister are of great concern to the company, insisting that prompt response will be given to ensure that load shedding is prioritized for optimum results.

Neil Croucher informed that his company has been discussing with five other electricity companies on embedded power to ensure that the supply of power to Abuja and its environs is increased to boost economic activities in the area.