By Gambo Ahmed, Lafia
The Managing Director of the Nasarawa State Electricity Board (NASEB), Engr. Yakubu Umar Loko, has declared that the Nasarawa State Government does not owe the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) any outstanding electricity debt, describing Governor Abdullahi Sule as one of the most supportive governors in the country in the development of the power sector.
Loko made the statement during a one-day stakeholders’ engagement organised by Nasarawa Electricity Distribution Limited (NAEDL), a subsidiary of AEDC, with the theme, “Powering Nasarawa Together: Shared Responsibility, Shared Solutions,” held at M&M Event Palace in Keffi Local Government Area of the state.
According to him, the administration of Governor Sule has consistently met its financial obligations for electricity consumption while also investing heavily in power infrastructure to support electricity distribution across the state.
He noted that the governor has provided substantial support to AEDC through the installation of transformers, construction of injection substations, extension of the national grid and provision of other critical facilities aimed at strengthening the power network.
“Nasarawa State has always been supportive of investors operating within its territory. The level of cooperation and support provided by the state government to improve electricity infrastructure is remarkable. Governor Sule has built injection substations and handed them over to the distribution company. He has also installed transformers ranging from 5MVA and above and transferred them to AEDC for public use,” Loko said.
He added that the governor ranks among the leading state chief executives in the North-Central region in terms of support for electricity distribution companies and efforts to improve power supply to local communities.
The NASEB boss further emphasized that the state government remains a responsible customer of the distribution company.
“We pay our electricity bills as and when due. I can state categorically that the Nasarawa State Government does not owe AEDC a kobo as we speak. Nasarawa remains one of the states in the North-Central zone that strives to settle its electricity obligations promptly,” he stated.
Loko commended the management of NAEDL and AEDC for organising the stakeholders’ forum, describing it as a platform that would enhance public understanding of the company’s operations, challenges and plans for improved service delivery.
Also speaking at the event, AEDC’s Chief Regulatory Officer, Engr. Emmanuel Ogwuche, praised Governor Sule for demonstrating confidence in the company through sustained support and investments in electricity infrastructure.
He explained that AEDC is responsible for electricity distribution across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nasarawa, Niger and Kogi states.
“I can confidently say that the Nasarawa State Government does not owe us a single dime. This is truly exceptional in an operation of this nature and deserves commendation,” Ogwuche said.
He disclosed that AEDC had commenced an aggressive operational strategy aimed at increasing power supply to Nasarawa State through improved transmission and distribution facilities.
According to him, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has enhanced its infrastructure in the state, including upgrades at the Keffi transmission substation.
“The Keffi substation previously operated with two 60MVA transformers. TCN has successfully upgraded one of the transformers to 100MVA, which will significantly improve power distribution and energy delivery across the state,” he explained.
Ogwuche assured consumers that once energy supply is stabilised, the company would focus on ensuring accurate billing and improved customer service to protect consumers’ interests and strengthen public confidence in the power sector.
The stakeholders’ engagement brought together government officials, community leaders, electricity consumers and industry stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities in the electricity sector and explore collaborative solutions for improved power supply in Nasarawa State.
