In a bid to enhance efficiency within Nigeria’s power sector, the Federal Government has initiated the unbundling process for 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos).
This move aims to streamline operations and bolster effectiveness within the sector, as highlighted by Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu.
Addressing the Senate Committee on Power in Abuja, Minister Adelabu emphasized the necessity of restructuring the DisCos into more manageable entities aligned along state lines.
He stressed the impracticality of current setups, citing examples such as the Ibadan Disco, which spans across seven states, hindering operational efficiency.
Also, Minister Adelabu disclosed the government’s intention to exercise its ownership rights in the DisCos, reclaiming management responsibilities to rectify operational shortcomings. He underscored the imperative of governmental intervention, citing past mismanagement by private sector operators.
In tandem with the unbundling initiative, the Federal Government has directed the sale of DisCos currently under the management of banks and the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON). Four DisCos, including Abuja, Benin, Kaduna, and Kano, are now under bank management due to loan repayment issues, signaling a broader need for industry-wide reform.
The Senate Committee on Power echoed concerns over DisCos’ inefficiencies, advocating for comprehensive overhauls to address longstanding performance deficits. Senator Danjuma Goje decried DisCos’ lackluster contributions to the power sector, labeling them as “complete failures.”
In response to mounting challenges, Minister Adelabu outlined key strategies to revitalize the sector, including stringent regulatory measures, franchise agreements, and accelerated completion of transmission projects. Additionally, efforts are underway to bridge the metering gap and expand renewable energy capacity to bolster the national grid.
Looking ahead, the Federal Government remains committed to realizing its vision of a robust and sustainable power sector, with plans underway to achieve a target of 6,000MW of power generation by the year’s end. As stakeholders collaborate to address systemic deficiencies, the trajectory of Nigeria’s power sector points towards a future marked by resilience and progress.
