Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has announced a targeted plan to eliminate prolonged power outages across its operational areas by 2027, a significant commitment aimed at improving electricity reliability for millions of customers.
The disclosure was made by AEDC’s Chief Executive, Engr. Chijioke Okwuokenye, during a stakeholder engagement in Abuja. He stated that the distribution company is focusing on ending frequent electricity interruptions in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa states within the next three years. This initiative responds to a recent nationwide decline in power supply, which AEDC attributed to reduced grid allocations caused by seasonal factors affecting generation.
A cornerstone of AEDC’s strategy is the imminent 350-megawatt gas-fired power plant under construction by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in Gwagwalada, FCT. Okwuokenye projected that the plant would commence commercial operation by late 2024 or early 2025. Upon completion, it is expected to substantially boost the volume of electricity fed into the Abuja ecosystem, directly enhancing supply stability for AEDC’s franchise.
To complement this, AEDC is undertaking targeted network infrastructure upgrades. The company confirmed the construction of a new primary feeder line to the Wuse district, scheduled to begin in the second week of March. This project is designed to provide customers in Wuse with a minimum of 20 hours of daily power supply. Similar reliability improvements are planned for the Idu area. Okwuokenye described the 2027 target as ambitious but achievable, citing strong backing from the board, shareholders, and government partners. He asserted that by this time next year, AEDC’s network would be insulated from the fluctuations currently experienced on the national grid.
The CEO highlighted two critical systemic challenges hindering the sector’s performance. Firstly, he identified energy theft and meter bypass as a “colossal” issue for all distribution companies (Discos) nationwide, urging greater cooperation from electricity users. Secondly, Okwuokenye stressed the urgent need to review Nigeria’s current electricity tariff template to resolve the persistent liquidity crisis preventing full cost recovery and sustainable investment. He noted that despite financial constraints, AEDC has successfully deployed 70,000 prepaid meters under the federal government’s free meter rollout program, a step toward improving billing accuracy and reducing losses.
The announcement positions AEDC’s operational zones for potentially transformative service improvement, contingent on the timely delivery of the NNPCL gas plant, successful infrastructure execution, and broader sectoral reforms. The company’s plan underscores a push for greater self-sufficiency in power supply for the capital region and its adjoining states, aligning with national objectives to enhance grid stability and reduce distribution losses.
