Nigerians have expressed anger as large parts of Abuja and Nasarawa State face a prolonged blackout following the start of a two-week electricity supply disruption announced by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
The power outage, which began on Monday, January 6, 2025, has left many residents and businesses in distress, with losses reportedly running into billions of naira. AEDC had previously announced the planned outage, which it attributed to the relocation of the 33KV DC Airport Feeder and the 132KV Kukwaba-Apo Transmission Line Towers along the Outer Southern Motorway. TCN also confirmed that the development would lead to power rationing in affected areas.
Areas listed for power interruptions include Kapwa, NNPC, Games Village, National Stadium, Christ Embassy Church, American International School, EFCC Headquarters, Coca-Cola, Railway, and parts of Apo, Gudu, Kubwa, Bwari, Jabi, Karu, Nyanya, Mararaba, and Keffi. However, DAILY POST found that even areas not officially listed, such as Utako, Dawaki, and Dutse, are also experiencing blackouts.
Residents have criticized AEDC for not providing alternative solutions to mitigate the impact of the outage. A Kubwa resident, Mabel Michael, called AEDC’s actions irresponsible, expressing frustration over the inability to preserve perishables. Similarly, a trader, Benjamin Eze, described the situation as disgraceful, citing high fuel costs to power generators as an additional burden.
Kunle Olubiyo, President of the Nigerian Consumer Protection Network, also condemned the development, describing it as poor planning. He emphasized that such relocations should involve proper planning, such as using a stringing method to maintain power supply during the transition. He called the situation shameful and urged accountability for what he termed negligence.
In response, AEDC’s Acting Managing Director, Chijioke Okwuokenye, assured customers that remedial measures, including load shedding, are being implemented to reduce the impact. He noted that while affected areas may not receive power as usual, efforts are being made to ensure some level of supply. He also acknowledged significant revenue losses due to the situation and hinted at possible compensation for customers, especially those on Band A feeders.
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has also pledged to engage AEDC and TCN to find solutions to the crisis. His spokesperson, Bolaji Tunji, noted that the outage affects not just consumers but also the revenue of the operators, and discussions are underway to address the challenges.
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