By SUNDAY ABBA, Abuja
Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) has clarified that the current prolonged power outages being experienced in Lafia the Nasarawa State capital and other parts of the state stem primarily from national-level challenges which is beyond company’s direct control.
The management of the distribution company (DisCo) in a statement explained, “The management of Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC)
wishes to inform our esteemed customers, royals and stakeholders in Lafia, Keffi, Nasarawa and Masaka and other communities across Nasarawa State, as well as the general public, regarding the current constraints affecting electricity supply in our franchise areas.
“Nigeria’s power sector faces significant constraints during the dry season (typically November to April), when hydropower generation drops due to low water levels in dams, and many thermal plants experience reduced gas supply from pipeline issues, vandalism, and other supply-chain disruptions.
“These factors have led to lower overall generation and reduced allocations from the national grid to all Distribution Companies (DisCos), including AEDC.”
Acknowledging the worsening power situation AEDC said it empathises with its customers “over the frustrations being experienced due to the limited power allocation to Lafia, which has recently hovered between 5 MW and 10 MW—far below what is required to meet the growing demand in the state capital and surrounding areas”.
“This has resulted in extended outages and heightened customer concerns, including recent expressions of agitation,” it added.
Explaining further, the Abuja DisCo said, “Recent data from the grid operator show that allocations to DisCos have been severely limited, sometimes dropping dramatically due to system issues or generation shortfalls, adding that similar notices from other DisCos have attributed widespread outages to gas shortages and reduced national generation.”
It stressed that such declines are not within the DisCos’ control but require collective efforts from generation companies, gas suppliers, and regulators.
In the case of Nasarawa State, AEDC said it had managed to increase supply to Lafia up to 10 MW where possible, despite threats to allocations from neighbouring regions and overall national limitations, reiterating its commitment to equitable distribution, as it vowed to work closely with relevant stakeholders, including security agencies and state authorities, to monitor and manage the situation.
In a passionate appeal to the public, AEDC said: “We encourage calm and constructive dialogue as we continue to advocate for improved allocations and infrastructure enhancements at the national level.
“Revenue collection remains critical for sustaining operations and investing in network upgrades, but we prioritise safety and fairness in supply distribution.
“Customers are advised to report any specific concerns through our official channels, and we will continue transparent communication via our platforms.
“We are hopeful for an imminent improvement in national supply and stand ready to restore more stable service, while advancing longer-term solutions to reduce dependency on the grid and deliver more resilient power access.”