The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has issued a 10-day ultimatum to 86 government agencies, including the presidential villa, ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), to settle a collective debt of over N47 billion accrued as of December 2023. Failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe could result in disconnection from the grid power supply,leadership reports.
Leading the list of debtors is the Chief of Defence Staff Barracks and Military Formations, owing over N12 billion, followed by the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory with a debt of N7.5 billion, Ministry of Finance with over N5.4 billion, and the Niger State Governor-Abuja Liaison Office with N3.4 billion outstanding.
Other notable debtors include the Ministry of State for Petroleum, Presidential Villa, Ministry of Education, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Police Force.
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In an advertorial published by LEADERSHIP, the AEDC management expressed regret at resorting to public notification, citing unsuccessful attempts to recover the debts through previous channels. The notice warns that if payment is not made by Wednesday, 28th February 2024, the AEDC will disconnect services until the outstanding obligations are settled.
This development occurs amidst ongoing challenges faced by electricity distribution companies (DisCos) in revenue collection. According to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s report, DisCos collected a total of N267.61 billion in revenue in the third quarter of 2023, falling short of the N349.55 billion billed to customers.
