Niger State Governor,Alhaji Abubakar Sani-Bello has been assured of improved electricity supply to the state from Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).
The assurance was given by Engr. Ernest Mupwaya, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the electricity distribution during a courtesy visit to the governor after a stakeholders and committee on quality and constant electricity supply to Niger state meeting in Government House, Minna.
Governor Sani-Bello had stressed the need for management of the power distribution company to improve service delivery to the state, arguing that the state deserve better and a stable electricity supply regime being the host to the country’s three hydro electricity power generating stations.
He frowned at the issuance of estimated bill to electricity consumers in the state and pledged to partner with AEDC in acquiring pre-paid meters to be supplied to consumers as people are groaning over the monthly estimated bill being given by the company.
“We are ready to partner with your company to purchase the pre-paid meters to be distributed to our people and we do the reconciliation, since your company cannot afford to give meters to our people. Our people are not at home with the estimated bill regime. They want to be metered, so that they can pay for what they consume,” the governor stated.
The AEDC boss who after explaining the company’s predicaments to the governor assured him and electricity consumers in the state that power supply to the state will improve by over 30 per cent.
According to him, the company will ensure increase power supply to the state from the present 9 hours per day to 12 hours daily, but complained of none payment of bills by consumers.
He also appealed to state government to off set the two months outstanding of power consumed by government ministries, department and agencies.
Earlier at the stakeholders meeting, Governor Sani-Bello through his Deputy, Alh. Muhammad Ahmed Kesto had demanded for a 24 hour uninterrupted power supply to the state.
He noted that the epileptic power supply in the state has made life unbearable for the people, adding that most businesses have been affected.
The Governor who emphasized on the need for improved power supply also noted that it is the responsibility of government to ensure that its citizens enjoy the basic social amenities.
“We have had several meetings with the AEDC and today we are to finalize on how we can enjoy improved power supply. Niger state is housing three hydro electricity dams so we deserve an improved power supply.
“We must reach a resolution and that is why we are here today and we will ensure that a committee is set up to ensure the implementation of our resolution,” he added.
The epileltic power supply to the state in recent time had set electricity consumers and the company at logger heads with some youth and artisans under the aegies #lightorleaveniger last month staging a peaceful protest to drive home their demands.
in attendance at the stakeholder meeting from the Niger state Government side were Deputy Governor, Alhaji Muhammed Ahmed Ketso, Secretary to the state government, Hon. Ibrahim Isa Ladan, Commissioner for Works, Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe and Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Works,Arch.Umar Bawa.
Also in attendance were Police Commissioner, Niger State Command, Mr Paul Yakadi and Commandant of NSCDC Niger State Command,Mr Phillip Ayuba.
The Management of Abuja distribution Company led by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Ernest Mupwaya, The #PowerPowerState Group led by their leader, Comrade Mohammed Etsu and other stakeholders
