The Executive Director of the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors, Sunday Oduntan, has revealed that the Nigerian government is facing a staggering N100 billion in unpaid electricity bills. In an interview with Arise TV, Oduntan emphasized the importance of timely payment to avoid unnecessary disruptions in service.
Oduntan highlighted the recent incident where the presidential villa had outstanding debts with the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, which could have been avoided with prompt payment. He urged all parties, including the government, to fulfill their financial obligations to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
“It’s only two or three weeks ago that news went viral that the Nigeria presidential villa was owing electricity bill. This bill was not paid until Abuja DisCo put up an advert that caught the attention of the President,” Oduntan stated. He also pointed out that various ministries, departments, and agencies collectively owe an estimated N100 billion to electricity distributors.
The issue of unpaid electricity bills is not a recent development, as Oduntan clarified that these debts have been accumulating over time. He emphasized the need for factual discussions and practical solutions to address the ongoing challenges in the electricity sector.
In a related development, Media Talk Africa previously reported that the Presidential Villa and numerous government entities owe the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company a substantial amount. Following a disconnection notice from AEDC, prompt payment was ordered by influential figures like Tinubu.
The plight of electricity consumers in Nigeria continues to be a pressing concern, with many experiencing inconsistent power supply in recent months. The call for accountability and timely payment resonates across all sectors, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling financial obligations to sustain essential services.
