- AEDC revealed it loses ₦1.6 billion monthly in Niger State due to energy theft and non-payment, collecting only ₦850 million out of the expected revenue.
- The company is upgrading infrastructure and metering, urging timely bill payments to sustain service delivery.
The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has raised serious concerns over widespread energy theft and the persistent unwillingness of residents in Niger State to pay their electricity bills. According to the company, these issues have led to a staggering monthly revenue loss of ₦1.6 billion.
During a media parley and stakeholders’ engagement in Minna, AEDC Managing Director Engr. Chijioke Okwuokenye revealed that the company is expected to generate N2.5 billion monthly. However, it only collects about ₦850 million, leaving a significant revenue shortfall.
Commending the recent establishment of the Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Okwuokenye described it as a welcome development. He expressed confidence that the commission would help tackle the challenges hampering AEDC’s revenue collection and overall service delivery in the state.
“The AEDC welcomes the establishment of the Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission. It is a step in the right direction,” he said. “The company hopes the new regulatory body will help address the challenges facing the electricity sector in the state.”
Okwuokenye stressed that the engagement reflects AEDC’s commitment to transparency, collaboration, and customer-focused service. “We are here not just to speak but to understand and collaborate on lasting solutions,” he added. “These meetings reflect our dedication to building genuine partnerships with the media and the communities we serve.”
Similarly, AEDC’s Niger State Chief Business Officer, Engr. Samuel Odekina highlighted the impact of the financial shortfall. He noted that the revenue loss has made it difficult for the company to fund expansion projects. Despite the setbacks, he reassured stakeholders of AEDC’s unwavering commitment to a reliable power supply.
“We understand the concerns of our customers and stakeholders. Today’s engagement is more than a listening exercise; it is a commitment to act,” Odekina stated. “We are addressing service challenges, accelerating metering, and improving reliability. The feedback we received today has given us renewed clarity and resolve.”
To improve service delivery, Odekina disclosed that AEDC recently commissioned a 500 KVA substation in Minna and rehabilitated several transformers, including an 11 KVA unit in Bida, a 500 KVA transformer at Morris, and another 11 KVA at Zarumai in Minna. He also revealed that the company has installed 6,150 meters and is working to replace 8,000 more.
In addition, AEDC has begun issuing mass refunds to customers who paid for meters but never received them. Odekina urged electricity consumers in Niger State to pay their bills promptlyemphasisingng that timely payments are critical for sustaining and improving services.
Meanwhile, the town hall meeting brought together community leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, market leaders, government officials, and regulatory authorities. The forum provided a platform for constructive dialogue to enhance service delivery, expand the electricity network, deepen regulatory cooperation, and accelerate metering initiatives in the state.