Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) have apologised to Nigerians over persistent power shortages across the country, acknowledging the hardship caused by weeks of prolonged electricity outages affecting households and businesses.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED), Sunday Oduntan, tendered the apology on Monday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme.
Oduntan admitted that Nigerians had endured considerable difficulties due to the unreliable electricity supply and said an apology was necessary.
He also expressed concern over what he described as a return to the blame game among operators in the electricity sector, warning that the practice would make it difficult to identify and resolve the actual causes of the crisis.
According to him, similar disagreements between distribution companies, transmission operators, generating companies and gas suppliers characterised the industry between 2016 and 2019.
He said the sector appeared to be returning to that pattern, with different operators offering conflicting explanations for the persistent decline in electricity supply.
ANED Questions Conflicting Explanations
Oduntan questioned statements issued by the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) concerning the factors responsible for the electricity shortages.
While NISO attributed some of the challenges to low water levels and inadequate gas supply, the NNPC subsequently indicated that gas was available.
The ANED chief executive argued that the explanations were incomplete, insisting that the relevant authorities should clarify whether outstanding payments were affecting the supply and delivery of gas to power generation companies.
He called on the Minister of Power to take the lead in bringing all stakeholders together to establish the actual causes of the problem and coordinate a lasting solution.
Businesses and Households Bear the Cost
The prolonged outages have increased pressure on Nigerian households and businesses, many of which depend on alternative electricity sources to maintain daily operations.
Small businesses, manufacturers, hospitality operators and other commercial establishments have been particularly affected by the rising cost of operating petrol and diesel generators.
The situation has also raised concerns about the effectiveness of the Band A, B and C electricity tariff classifications, which are linked to the minimum supply hours customers are expected to receive.
Customers on Band A, who are entitled to a minimum of 20 hours of electricity daily, have continued to complain about inadequate supply.
Meanwhile, the rising cost of fuel has made generator operation increasingly expensive, while the cost of installing solar panels, batteries and inverters remains beyond the reach of many households and small businesses.
Renewed Questions Over Government’s Electricity Promise
The crisis has also brought renewed attention to President Bola Tinubu’s 2023 campaign promise to improve electricity supply and end estimated billing.
During his presidential campaign, Tinubu pledged that Nigerians would have access to adequate electricity and should hold him accountable if he failed to deliver.
With persistent outages continuing to affect economic activities, consumers are increasingly demanding accountability and a clear explanation of when reliable electricity will be restored.
The latest apology from electricity distributors acknowledges the difficulties faced by consumers, but Nigerians will be looking beyond expressions of regret for practical measures capable of addressing the country’s recurring power supply challenges.
