The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has intervened to resolve the power disruption affecting Maitama and adjoining areas following the invasion of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) C2 Maitama Substation.
On Friday, AEDC said it is presently unable to supply electricity from its C2 Maitama Substation following the invasion and unlawful encroachment of the facility by land grabbers led by an Assistant Director of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).
The distribution company said vital electricity cables and other network infrastructure were damaged during the encroachment, making it “unsafe and technically impossible” to continue supply from the facility.
The C2 Maitama Substation is a critical distribution installation serving homes, businesses, diplomatic missions and government institutions in Maitama and surrounding areas of the Federal Capital Territory.
In a statement signed by its management and released on Saturday, AEDC said the matter concerning the invasion and encroachment on the substation has been escalated to the highest levels of the FCT Administration.
“We are pleased to confirm that the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, has been fully briefed on the situation and has personally intervened to facilitate an urgent resolution of the issues responsible for the current power disruption affecting Maitama and adjoining areas,” AEDC said.
AEDC said it is working closely with the minister, the Federal Capital Territory Administration, security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to secure the substation, protect this critical electricity infrastructure and expedite the restoration of electricity supply.
“We commend the Honourable Minister for his swift intervention and unwavering commitment to resolving the matter. AEDC remains fully committed to restoring electricity supply as quickly and safely as possible and appreciates the patience, understanding and continued support of our customers during this challenging period,” the statement said.
In recent years, attacks and encroachment on electricity infrastructure have been identified as a major challenge to stable power supply in Nigeria, often leading to prolonged outages for consumers.
