The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has expressed confidence that persistent electricity supply challenges in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will be largely resolved by 2027, citing new generation partnerships and infrastructure upgrades.
AEDC Managing Director, Chijioke Okwuokenye, disclosed this during an interaction with journalists in Abuja on Thursday, outlining measures being implemented to improve service reliability across the capital and surrounding areas.
Collaboration with NNPC on 350MW Plant
Central to the company’s projection is a 350-megawatt (MW) power generation plant being developed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) in Gwagwalada.
According to Okwuokenye, the facility is expected to come on stream in the last quarter of 2026 or the first quarter of 2027.
“That alone is going to massively relieve Abuja and environs of energy constraints,” he said. “We are working closely with the NNPC to see how we can take up that power and improve service delivery to Abuja.”
He expressed optimism that by this time in 2027, current supply issues would have been significantly addressed.
Embedded Generation and Grid Support
The AEDC boss noted that the company is pursuing embedded generation partnerships in areas where the national grid is unable to deliver sufficient electricity.
“We are doing a lot when it comes to partnerships to introduce better generation in certain areas where we know that the grid is not strong enough to provide the volume of energy needed,” he explained.
In 2025, AEDC increased its energy intake by nearly 15 per cent compared to the previous year, although Okwuokenye acknowledged that supply has yet to reach all customers consistently.
He maintained, however, that steady progress is being made and that the long-term outlook for power supply in Abuja remains positive.
Loss Reduction and Market Obligations
Highlighting operational improvements, Okwuokenye said AEDC reduced its aggregate technical, commercial and collection (ATC&C) losses from about 42 per cent to 32 per cent in 2025 — a 10-percentage-point reduction within one year.
He also stated that the company has significantly improved its financial standing within the electricity market.
“Before now, AEDC was known for huge debts because we were unable to meet our payment obligations. That is now in the past. We are meeting 100 per cent of our obligations and even paying down previous debts,” he said.
The improved liquidity, he added, has strengthened the company’s ability to invest in infrastructure upgrades and customer service.
Metering Drive Gains Momentum
As part of efforts to eliminate estimated billing, AEDC said it has metered 70,000 customers since 2025 under the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) Metering Initiative and the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF).
“These are real customers that have been moved from estimated billing to credible billing, improving customer satisfaction and confidence, and also enhancing liquidity in the market,” Okwuokenye stated.
He reaffirmed the company’s goal of achieving 100 per cent metering coverage for all customers within its franchise area.
Infrastructure Upgrades in Wuse, Idu
AEDC is also expanding its distribution infrastructure to improve reliability in key districts.
The managing director disclosed that a new feeder is under construction in Wuse, with residents expected to enjoy up to 20 hours of electricity daily by the second week of March.
Additionally, the company is working on a dedicated feeder to the Idu industrial area. The proposal is currently under regulatory review and is intended to guarantee uninterrupted power supply to industrial clusters.
The strategy, according to Okwuokenye, is to create “clusters of positive impacts” that build confidence among investors and customers alike.
Addressing Energy Theft and Vandalism
Despite operational gains, AEDC identified energy theft and vandalism as major challenges affecting service delivery.
Okwuokenye appealed to customers and residents to remain vigilant and support efforts to curb illegal connections and infrastructure sabotage, noting that such activities undermine improvements in supply reliability.
Outlook for Abuja’s Power Supply
Nigeria’s electricity sector has faced recurring grid collapses and gas supply constraints in recent years, leading to periodic blackouts across several states.
However, AEDC’s collaboration with NNPC, coupled with embedded generation initiatives, infrastructure upgrades and improved financial discipline, signals a structured approach toward resolving supply gaps in the FCT.
If the 350MW Gwagwalada plant becomes operational as projected and distribution enhancements are sustained, Abuja could witness measurable improvements in electricity stability by 2027.
For now, AEDC has urged customers to exercise patience, assuring residents and businesses that reforms underway are aimed at delivering reliable and consistent power in the near future.
