Power Minister Blames DisCos for Nigeria’s Poor Electricity Supply
Adelabu Accuses Distribution Companies of Failing Nigerians
Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, has strongly criticized electricity distribution companies (DisCos) for their poor performance, stating they have failed to provide adequate power supply to Nigerians.
DisCos Frustrating Power Sector Progress
“We need to get tough with the DisCos as they can easily frustrate all the gains we have made,” Adelabu declared during a two-day retreat hosted by the Senate Committee on Power in Ikot-Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
The minister expressed frustration that DisCos prioritize loan repayments over infrastructure development, leaving consumers vulnerable in the power supply chain. “Whatever we do in generation doesn’t mean anything to consumers if it’s frustrated at distribution points,” he added.
Northern DisCos Perform Particularly Poorly
Adelabu revealed alarming statistics about DisCo performance, particularly in Northern Nigeria. “In Q4 2024, Northern DisCos remitted just N124.4 billion (30%) of their N408.86 billion invoice, with Abuja Disco accounting for 85% of these payments,” he stated.
Southern DisCos performed slightly better, remitting N254.6 billion (67%), though Lagos Disco alone contributed 70% of this amount.
Government Plans Strict Measures
To address these challenges, the Power Ministry plans to:
- Enforce stricter performance benchmarks
- Restructure underperforming DisCos
- Implement tougher regulations
The minister’s statements highlight growing government frustration with Nigeria’s electricity distribution challenges and signal impending reforms in the sector.