Reps panel flays AEDC over alleged discriminatory power distribution

The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating power sector reforms and expenditures from 2006 to 2024 has condemned what it described as a discriminatory electricity distribution policy allegedly being implemented by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC). The committee expressed concern over claims that the company allocates approximately 80 per cent of its electricity supply […]

The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating power sector reforms and expenditures from 2006 to 2024 has condemned what it described as a discriminatory electricity distribution policy allegedly being implemented by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).

The committee expressed concern over claims that the company allocates approximately 80 per cent of its electricity supply to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), while the remaining 20 per cent is shared among Kogi, Niger and Nasarawa states within its franchise area.

The lawmakers made their position known during an oversight visit to the corporate headquarters of the distribution company in Abuja as part of the National Assembly’s ongoing probe into the performance of power sector operators and the utilisation of intervention funds since the 2005 unbundling and subsequent privatisation of the sector.

Members of the committee described the alleged 80–20 distribution model as unfair and economically damaging to the affected states, noting that citizens and businesses in Kogi, Niger and Nasarawa have consistently complained of prolonged outages, low supply and poor service delivery.

The chairman of the committee, Mustapha Aliyu, emphasised that every state within a distribution company’s coverage area deserved equitable treatment, stressing that electricity supply should not be determined solely by revenue considerations, especially in a sector that has benefitted from substantial public funding and federal intervention.

Responding to the lawmakers’ concerns, the managing director of AEDC, Chijioke Okwuokenye, denied any deliberate discriminatory intent but acknowledged disparities in supply.

He attributed the distribution pattern to operational and commercial realities, including high levels of energy theft in some states, weak infrastructure and network limitations, low revenue recovery rates, mounting debts owed by customers and the need to prioritise areas with stronger revenue generation to sustain operations.

According to him, the Federal Capital Territory remains the company’s largest and most viable revenue base, which significantly influences allocation decisions.

He further explained that the company was working to improve infrastructure and reduce losses in underserved areas, but noted that sustainable improvements require cooperation from host communities, state governments and consumers.