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In a distressing revelation, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja, has expressed concern about corpses decomposing in mortuaries at Nigerian Army barracks due to an ongoing power outage crisis. The dire situation was brought to light during a meeting with the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, to address the Nigerian Army’s staggering N42 billion debt to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).

General Lagbaja emphasized the urgent need for intervention to resolve the army’s electricity debt, which has led to the disconnection of power supply to various army barracks and cantonments. The mounting debt has resulted in a critical lack of power, causing distressing consequences such as corpses in army mortuaries decomposing and triggering protests from the deceased persons’ families.

Lagbaja highlighted the significant challenge faced by the army in raising funds to settle the entire debt and called for a solution similar to the debt liquidation process initiated in 2005 under the then President. The gravity of the situation was underscored by the fact that despite efforts to clear the debt by adding credit to the meter, the system automatically absorbs the amount owed, exacerbating the crisis.

Minister Adelabu responded with a commitment to engage in dialogue with power distribution companies to alleviate the Nigerian Army’s financial burden and explore ways to restructure the debt repayment. He acknowledged the longstanding issues in the power sector and emphasized the necessity of regular payments to facilitate a sustainable resolution of the debt crisis.

Adelabu stressed that power outages were not confined to army barracks but a systemic national challenge, emphasizing the profit-driven nature of distribution and generation companies. He urged for cooperation in establishing a feasible monthly repayment plan instead of burdening the army with the entire debt through metering mechanisms.

The looming threat of disconnection loomed large as the AEDC had issued notices to key governmental entities, including the Presidential Villa and 86 other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, demanding settlement of outstanding electricity bills totaling N47 billion. In light of the escalating crisis, swift action was mandated by the President to address the urgent need for debt settlement.

The unfolding crisis underscores the critical need for sustainable solutions in Nigeria’s power sector to avert further tragedies and financial burdens on essential institutions like the Nigerian Army.