Minister Pledges Intervention in N42 Billion Electricity Debt Owed by Army

Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu has committed to engaging with Distribution Companies (DisCos) on restructuring the N42 billion electricity debt owed by the Nigerian Army. This assurance came during a meeting with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who raised concerns about the impact of blackouts on military facilities.

Key Points:

• Army’s Debt: The Army owes N42 billion to DisCos, leading to frequent power cuts in barracks and cantonments.
• Security Concerns: General Lagbaja highlighted the security risks posed by these blackouts.
• Minister’s Response: Adelabu acknowledged the debt but emphasized the need for sustainable solutions.
• Debt Restructuring: He pledged to negotiate a restructuring plan with DisCos based on the Army’s commitment to regular payments.
• Sector Challenges: The Minister highlighted broader issues in the power sector, including vandalism, theft, inefficient billing, metering gaps, gas supply constraints, and transmission infrastructure damage.
• Alternative Solutions: He encouraged the Army to explore solar and battery storage systems as alternative power sources, potentially with support from development partners.

Significance:

This development highlights the challenges faced by the Nigerian power sector, including significant debt burdens and infrastructure issues. The Minister’s proposed intervention aims to address the Army’s specific concerns while emphasizing the need for long-term solutions across the sector. The exploration of alternative energy sources for military facilities could serve as a model for wider adoption.

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Further Developments:

The success of the Minister’s intervention will depend on effective negotiations with DisCos and the Army’s adherence to the agreed-upon payment plan. Addressing the broader challenges in the power sector requires comprehensive and coordinated efforts from all stakeholders. Monitoring progress on these fronts will be crucial for ensuring a more stable and efficient power supply in Nigeria.