The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) is grappling with a substantial debt totaling N47 billion from no fewer than 86 ministries, agencies, and departments of the government. This revelation was made through a public notice issued by the AEDC management.
Among the notable debtors are the Presidential Villa, which owes N923.9 million; the National Security Adviser, in debt for N95.9 billion; the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory under Nyesom Wike’s supervision, owing N7.57 billion; and Adebayo Adelabu’s Ministry of Power, indebted to the tune of N78 million.
In a stern warning, the AEDC stated that it would list the names of these government entities if they fail to settle their long-standing unpaid bills within ten days from the notice’s date, February 28, 2024. Failure to comply will result in disconnection of services.
The Chief of Defence Staff barracks and military formations top the list of debtors with N12 billion. Other significant debtors include the Ministry of Finance (N5.43 billion), the Niger State Governor’s Abuja liaison office (N3.45 billion), the Ministry of State Petroleum (N2.13 billion), and the Ministry of Education (N1.82 billion).
Additionally, numerous liaison offices of governors, as well as international entities such as the United Nations’ Abuja liaison office, the Comptroller General of Customs, the Federal Inland Revenue Service, and others, are among those owing the AEDC.
The issue of unpaid debts has been a recurring challenge in Nigeria’s power sector, as noted by Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu. Adelabu’s media aide clarified that since assuming office, the minister has promptly approved the payment of electricity bills every month, suggesting that any existing debt may have been inherited from his predecessors.
Efforts to reach other debtors, such as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), for comment were ongoing at the time of filing this report.
