The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has addressed power supply challenges in Nasarawa State, citing national-level constraints affecting electricity supply.
In a statement signed by its management on Wednesday, AEDC explained that limited power allocation to Lafia, ranging between 5 and 10 megawatts (MW), is due to reduced national generation and gas supply issues.
The company also attributed the challenges to dry season constraints, low water levels in dams, and gas pipeline disruptions.
“The Management of Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) wishes to inform our esteemed customers, royals and stakeholders in Lafia, Keffi, Nasarawa and Masaka and other communities across Nasarawa State, as well as the general public, regarding the current constraints affecting electricity supply in our franchise areas.
“We are deeply aware of and empathise with the frustrations being experienced due to the limited power allocation to Lafia, which has recently hovered between 5 MW and 10 MW—far below what is required to meet the growing demand in the state capital and surrounding areas,” the statement said.
This, it said, has resulted in extended outages and heightened customer concerns, including recent expressions of agitation.
“The current situation stems primarily from national-level challenges beyond AEDC’s direct control.
“Nigeria’s power sector faces significant constraints during the dry season (typically November to April), when hydropower generation drops due to low water levels in dams, and many thermal plants experience reduced gas supply from pipeline issues, vandalism, and other supply-chain disruptions,” the company said.
These factors, it said, have led to lower overall generation and reduced allocations from the national grid to all Distribution Companies (DisCos), including AEDC.
According to the AEDC, recent data from the grid operator show that allocations to DisCos have been severely limited at times, sometimes dropping dramatically due to system issues or generation shortfalls.
It explained that similar notices from other DisCos have attributed widespread outages to gas shortages and reduced national generation, emphasising that such declines are not within the DisCos’ control but require collective efforts from generation companies, gas suppliers, and regulators.
“In the case of Nasarawa State, we have managed to increase supply to Lafia up to 10 MW where possible, despite threats to allocations from neighbouring regions and overall national limitations.
“We remain committed to equitable distribution and are working closely with relevant stakeholders, including security agencies and state authorities, to monitor and manage the situation,” the AEDC said.
AEDC appreciates customers’ patience and understanding, citing efforts to secure better allocations and invest in network upgrades.
“We assure our customers that we are actively engaging with the national grid operators and other stakeholders to secure better allocations as soon as conditions improve.
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“Revenue collection remains critical for sustaining operations and investing in network upgrades, but we prioritise safety and fairness in supply distribution,” it said.
The company said it remains committed to providing innovative solutions in the near future that will help mitigate over-reliance on the national grid, including through partnerships for solar mini-grids, interconnected renewable energy projects, and other distributed energy resources to enhance reliability and sustainability in areas such as Nasarawa State.
AEDC advised customers to report concerns through official channels and promised transparent communication.
“AEDC remains dedicated to serving the people of Nasarawa State and our entire franchise area.
“We are hopeful for an imminent improvement in national supply and stand ready to restore more stable service, while advancing longer-term solutions to reduce dependency on the grid and deliver more resilient power access,” the company said.
