By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on the federal government to conduct a thorough review of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and other electricity distribution companies to ensure steady power supply in the country.
This call was made in a statement issued by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ, Kogi State Council, following its maiden congress in Lokoja. The congress, which focused on the performance of AEDC in the state, urged the federal government to disband any companies found to be failing in their duties.
The statement highlighted AEDC’s failure to provide prepaid meters, as mandated by the federal government. Despite over 1.8 million customers requesting meters, only about 20% of them have been attended to.
The congress, signed by Chapel Chairman Segun Salami and Secretary Salihu Oyibo, urged the state government to engage AEDC’s management to improve power supply in the state. They also called on the state government to pass laws through the House of Assembly to protect citizens from the harassment and extortion by AEDC staff.
The congress pointed out that AEDC’s service delivery has deteriorated, with power supply disruptions during the Christmas and New Year celebrations leading to a lack of festivities in the state. Communities like Aiyegunle Gbedde, Ayere, Aiyetoro Gbedde, Abocho, Egume, Anyigba, and Sheria have been without electricity for weeks, with no response from AEDC, while monthly bills continue to accumulate.
The NUJ also noted the unethical behavior of AEDC staff, who have been accused of extortion and disconnecting power with minimal provocation.
