THUR 03 MARCH, 2022-theGBJournal- The Minister of Power Abubakar D. Aliyu said today that Federal Government will pay electricity distribution companies (DisCos) the sum of N40 billion this month, as part of the ongoing settlements of MDAs electricity debts.
The Minister made the disclosure while speaking on the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) and other key projects being undertaken by the Ministry during the State House Briefing.
The Federal Government in January 2022 made similar promise, and the promise to pay was captured under the wide vote of the 2022 budget. The Minister’s statement today at the State House briefing suggests that the monies has not been released to the DisCos since the idea to pay came up in Jamuary.
The agencies of the Federal Government, ministries and departments owes over N90 billion in electricity debts.
Meanwhile, the Minister said the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP) has successfully installed 880,000 electricity meters across the country, since 2020, in the first Phase. The Phase 2 which is expected to kick off soon is targeting 4 million additional meters.
Abubakar D. Aliyu also spoke to the recent increased load shedding that is currently plaguing Abuja and other areas around the country. He said with the reduction in Hydro capacity during the dry season, additional load needs to be taken up by the country’s gas plants.
‘’We are having maintenance work in the Eastern Axis around Odukpani leading to reduced power supply from usually reliable Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Calabar Power Plant and we have challenges at Okoloma Gas Station linked to Afam VI power plant,’’ the Minister said.
He said they are working with the NNPC Group and other gas suppliers also to improve the pressure on the Western Axis that is precluding units from reaching optimum supply.
‘’These challenges are surmountable and we have a 3-pronged approach we are executing,’’ he assured.
He noted that the 700 MW Zungeru Hydro Power Plant is over 90% completed.
‘’A security challenge is currently delaying the completion, and we are working to resolve the situation, and secure the site to allow workers return fully,’’ he said.
Twitter-@theGBJournal|Facebook-The Government and Business Journal|email: gbj@govbusinessjournal.ng|
