Power Probe: Reps tackle AEDC over alleged 80–20% supply bias, demand full disclosure of funds

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee probing power sector reforms and expenditures from 2006 to 2024 has taken a hard stance against the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) over allegations of a skewed electricity allocation formula within its franchise area.
During an oversight visit to AEDC’s headquarters in Abuja, lawmakers criticised what they described as an “unfair and economically harmful” distribution pattern that allegedly channels about 80 percent of electricity supply to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), leaving Kogi, Niger and Nasarawa states to share the remaining 20 percent.
The visit forms part of the National Assembly’s ongoing investigation into the performance of power sector operators and the utilisation of public intervention funds since the 2005 unbundling and eventual privatisation of the sector.
Committee members expressed concern that residents and businesses in Kogi, Niger and Nasarawa have continued to suffer prolonged blackouts, weak supply and poor service delivery. They warned that electricity distribution should not be driven purely by revenue considerations, especially in a sector that has received substantial federal support and public funding.
The Committee Chairman stressed that all states within a Disco’s coverage area deserve equitable treatment, noting that power supply is a critical driver of economic development and social stability.
Responding, AEDC Managing Director, Chijioke Okwuokenye, denied any deliberate discrimination but admitted that disparities in supply exist.
He attributed the situation to operational and commercial realities, including high energy theft, weak infrastructure, low revenue recovery, mounting customer debts and the need to prioritise areas with stronger payment performance to sustain operations.
According to him, the FCT remains AEDC’s largest and most viable revenue base, which significantly influences allocation decisions. He added that the company is working to strengthen infrastructure and reduce losses in underserved states but emphasised that progress requires collaboration with host communities, state governments and consumers.
Estimated billing also came under fire during the session. Representatives Danladi Suleiman (Kogi) and Ginger Obinna raised concerns over complaints from constituents about arbitrary billing and the slow rollout of prepaid meters.
Okwuokenye disclosed that AEDC has distributed over 300,000 prepaid meters across its franchise area and said estimated billing has been significantly reduced through a regulatory capping system designed to prevent overbilling of unmetered customers.
However, some lawmakers insisted that consumer complaints indicate the problem persists.
The committee further questioned AEDC over loans and intervention funds obtained from the Federal Government following privatisation.
Lawmakers lamented that despite billions of naira injected into the sector through the Central Bank of Nigeria and other funding mechanisms, electricity supply remains largely inadequate.
In his defence, the AEDC boss explained that the current management assumed control in 2023 under a receivership arrangement and should not be held responsible for financial decisions dating back to 2013.
He stated that the company is servicing inherited liabilities, including obligations to the CBN, while working to stabilise operations.
At the close of the session, the committee directed AEDC to submit comprehensive documentation on power allocation, intervention funds, loan repayments and infrastructure investments to support the ongoing probe.