The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) is facing a significant challenge due to unpaid electricity debts of N144 billion by government agencies, including the military and police. This was disclosed by the acting Managing Director, Mrs. Rekhiat Momoh, during a visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation. The company has made efforts to reduce its losses ratio from 35% to 15.1% between 2023 and 2024 and has metered over 700,000 customers.
However, the company faces difficulties in recovering debts from state governments, which owe electricity bills consumed by government houses or secretariats. The Executive Director of Research and Advocacy, Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors, Sunday Oduntan, noted that at least 20 states owe electricity bills.
The House of Representatives Committee has pledged to work with power companies to address electricity theft and recover debts owed by government agencies. Chairman Hamisu Ibrahim called for collaboration to provide legislative solutions and noted that the committee would work closely with power companies to fight electricity theft.
The EKEDC has made significant improvements in technology and provision of meters and transformers, and is the only Disco that fulfils its monthly obligations remittance to the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading company. The company is working to procure additional meters for its customers and reduce electricity theft.
