Wonders will never cease in Nigeria. We hear that our country’s president, Bola Tinubu, could be thrown into darkness any time soon as the presidential villa, Aso Rock, and some government ministries owe electricity bills from last year.
Reports in the media say the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has threatened to cut off supply of power to the presidential villa and over 80 departments and agencies of the government over a N47 billion debt due as of December 2023.
But why would the government facilities be owing electricity bills despite the allocation of funds for this purpose in the 2024 budget?
Yes, the federal government budgeted N40 billion to settle the electricity debts of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) in 2024, and N260.8 million was set aside for electricity costs this year.
And come to think of it, even the Ministry of Power is among the list of debtors? Trust Nigerians to react to this development with sprinkles of humour.
If Aso Rock dey owe who i be pic.twitter.com/Ud9QGviOUh
— Bodi Divine (@Ikennamm) February 20, 2024
The funny thing about this threat is that @aedcelectricity will not carry it out. Them no born them well to disconnect all these agencies. But you see that house that owes 15k…they won’t even give them warning before they cut them off.
— oa_durogbangba² (@neyonx02) February 20, 2024
One thing is clear: this development describes the government’s failure to respect extant regulations, particularly the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA).
It also raises questions about the government’s financial management and priorities, as well as its promise to ensure enabling environments for businesses to thrive.
At a time when Nigeria is facing numerous socio-economic challenges, the revelation of the government’s failure to pay electricity bills highlights the need for greater accountability.
More worrisome is the potential of this action to widen citizens’ distrust in government.
President Bola Tinubu must direct the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and his equivalent in the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubaka Atiku, to urgently address this issue of electricity debts.
Photo source: TCN
