Nigerian Government Owes N100B in Electricity Bills – Distributors

The Nigerian government is facing a substantial debt of approximately N100 billion in unpaid electricity bills, as revealed by Sunday Oduntan, the Executive Director of the Association of 

Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED). Oduntan stressed the crucial necessity for the government to foster an enabling environment for energy distributors while meeting its financial commitments.

During an interview with Arise TV, Oduntan highlighted that Ministries, Agencies, and Departments (MDAs) collectively owe N100 billion to electricity distribution companies. 

He underscored the significance of the government’s prompt payment of electricity bills.

Citing instances such as the outstanding bill of the presidential villa to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), which could have been avoided with timely payments.

• “I said all of us needed to pay our part. On the part of the government, always try to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. Always play your part by paying your bill. 

• “It’s only two or three weeks ago that there was a news that went viral that the Nigerian presidential villa was owing electricity bill. This bill was not paid until Abuja DisCo put up an advert which called the attention of the president.  
• “You will be surprised to find some ministries that are owing Abuja Disco. The ministries, departments and agencies are owing in essence, N100 billion. 

• “We’ve been saying this for a long time. They didn’t start owing from May 2023. So there is no politics or mischief here. We are talking facts and how we can solve problems,” he said. 

Oduntan notably referenced President Bola Tinubu’s recent settlement of the N342.3 million electricity bill owed by the presidential villa.

He called for a proactive resolution to tackle outstanding debts, emphasizing the imperative of creating a conducive business environment for energy distributors.

Background story: President Bola Tinubu issued a directive for the clearance of the N342.3 million outstanding electricity bill with the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company.