In a startling development, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has issued a stern warning to 86 government ministries, agencies, and departments (MDAs) over unpaid electricity bills totaling N47 billion.
This unprecedented move puts crucial institutions such as the Aso Villa, Ministry of Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and numerous others at risk of disconnection from power supply within the next ten days.
In a public notice issued by the AEDC, the gravity of the situation became apparent as significant entities were revealed to be defaulting on their payments.
The notice disclosed that the Presidential Villa alone owes nearly N1 billion, with the National Security Adviser’s office topping the list at N95.9 billion. The Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory, Ministry of Power, and Ministry of Finance are among those with substantial outstanding balances.
The Chief of Defence Staff barracks and military formations are reported to be the most indebted, owing N12 billion. Other notable entities in debt include state governors’ liaison offices, various ministries, and key regulatory bodies.
The situation has sparked concerns about the financial health of these institutions, with implications for service delivery and operational efficiency. Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, reiterated that unpaid debts significantly hamper the nation’s power sector, emphasizing the urgent need for a cost-reflective tariff.
In response to the allegations, Minister Adelabu’s media aide, Bolaji Tunji, asserted that the Ministry of Power has consistently honored its electricity bills under the current administration. However, he suggested that the debt might have been inherited from previous administrations.
Meanwhile, the affected MDAs are under pressure to settle their outstanding balances before the looming deadline to avoid disruptions in essential services. FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, requested a copy of the public notice, indicating a response to the alarming situation.
As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on these government entities to resolve their financial obligations promptly and avert the imminent threat of power disconnection. Failure to address this issue could have far-reaching consequences, impacting critical operations across various sectors.