Govt to sell Abuja, Ibadan, Benin, Kaduna, Kano DisCos

Published

2 years ago

April 23, 2024

Charles Flames

445 Views

The recent developments in Nigeria’s power sector are quite significant. Here’s a summary of the key points:

Sale of Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos):

The Federal Government is determined to sell off five electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) due to ongoing blackouts.
A $200 million non-performing metering contract awarded since 2021 has been revoked.
The DisCos’ poor performance, attributed to lack of technical expertise, has prompted the decision.
Reputable technical power operators are expected to take over within three months.
Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, and Kano Electricity Distribution Company are among those affected.

Efforts to Address Metering Gap:

A $200 million contract for three million meters, awarded in 2021, has been revoked due to non-delivery.
The government aims to bridge the eight million metering gap in the next four to five years using a seed capital of N100 billion and N75 billion.
Funding from the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) will support this initiative.

Challenges in the Power Sector:

The power sector faces challenges including incomplete projects, frequent grid collapses, and lack of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA).
Uncompleted projects, especially those involving SCADA, have been a persistent issue for over 12 years.

Response from the Senate Committee on Power:

Senators expressed concerns over the DisCos’ performance, asset stripping by some operators, and the need for penalties for such actions.
Suggestions were made to cancel DisCos licenses and potentially hand over management to new operators or even foreigners.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) also seeks funding and support for its projects, including addressing right of way issues.

Gas Supply Constraint:

Gas shortage is a major constraint affecting power generation, exacerbating the power crisis.
DisCos are reportedly rejecting power allocation despite shortages.

Government Debt to Power Sector:

The Federal Government owes Generation Companies over N1.3 trillion and gas suppliers $1.3 billion.
The debt has led to gas suppliers refusing to provide more, further impacting power generation.

Next Steps:

The Senate Committee on Power plans to interface with the Federal Government to settle the gas debt.
The committee will focus on overseeing the completion of World Bank SCADA projects and addressing tariff reviews.

These developments reflect a concerted effort to address longstanding issues in Nigeria’s power sector, aiming to improve efficiency, address infrastructure gaps, and ensure better service delivery.

Related Topics:Benin Featured FG Ibadan Sell Abuja

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Security Forces Rescue 9, Neutralise Terrorist in Kwara

Published

13 hours ago

July 25, 2026

Charles Flames

18 Views

A joint security operation against terrorists has led to the rescue of nine persons in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.

According to inside sources, Forest Guards, under the supervision of the Directorate of Security Services and working with members of the local hunters and vigilante group, embarked on bush-combing operations. They discovered a hideout of the kidnappers and engaged them.

Nine persons were rescued in two separate operations in the forest of Obbo Aiyegunle. One of the kidnappers was neutralised while others fled with gunshot injuries.

One of the rescued persons is said to be receiving medical care at an undisclosed medical facility in the local government.

News

Zamfara LG Chairman Abduction: Security operatives intensify rescue efforts

Security forces are currently conducting deliberate operations at the suspected location of the terrorists, aimed at safely rescuing the abducted Chairman.

Published

16 hours ago

July 25, 2026

OCHEFA

27 Views

• Family of the abducted Zamfara LG Chairman

Aliyu Danjal, Lieutenant Colonel Media Information Officer Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, disclosed that on hearing gunshots, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA responded immediately and swiftly moved to the scene where they engaged in hot pursuit of the terrorists leading to a fierce exchange of fire.

Troops’ prompt intervention forced the terrorists to abandon 5 of the Chairman’s family members comprising 2 of his children, mother, wife and his relatives, who were successfully rescued.

However, the terrorists narrowly escaped into surrounding bushes with the Chairman. Sadly, the attack claimed the lives of members of the Chairman’s security detail, including 2 policemen and 1 local vigilante who gallantly resisted the attackers.

Also, a civilian was killed while the Chairman’s elder brother, Alhaji Bello Umar was injured during the attack.

Following the incident, the Theatre Command activated a coordinated search and rescue operation involving troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilante.

Security forces are currently conducting deliberate operations at the suspected location of the terrorists, aimed at safely rescuing the abducted Chairman.

The Theatre Command has deployed all available resources in the ongoing operation and remains in close coordination with participating security agencies.

The Theatre Command assures the Government and people of Zamfara State that every lawful and operational measure is being taken to achieve a successful outcome.

The Command appeals to members of the public to remain calm, continue with their lawful activities and provide credible information through established security channels that may assist the ongoing operation.

The Theatre remains resolute in its mandate to protect lives and property and will continue working with sister security agencies until the abducted Chairman is safely reunited with his family and the perpetrators are brought to justice.

News

IGP Disu orders officers to shoot anyone carrying illegal firearms

Disu explained that the directive was backed by Force Order 237, which empowers police officers to respond immediately to armed threats without waiting for approval from superior officers.

Published

2 days ago

July 24, 2026

OCHEFA

26 Views

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has directed police officers across the country to shoot on sight anyone found carrying illegal firearms, as part of intensified efforts to curb insecurity.

Disu issued the directive on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, saying the move followed President Bola Tinubu’s instruction that the lingering security crisis in the state must be brought to an end.

The police chief maintained that only authorised security personnel are legally permitted to carry firearms, warning that law enforcement agencies would no longer tolerate the unlawful possession of weapons.

” You cannot move around freely carrying arms as if there is no law and order in this country. It will not be tolerated,” he said.

Disu explained that the directive was backed by Force Order 237, which empowers police officers to respond immediately to armed threats without waiting for approval from superior officers.