Tegbe meets DisCos over proposed 24/7 Energy Zones

By Adebola Muili

Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has held a closed-door meeting with the management of selected electricity distribution companies (DisCos) as part of Federal Government efforts to establish dedicated Energy Zones capable of providing stable, 24-hour electricity supply to high-demand areas across the country.

The meeting focused on the proposed Energy Zones covering the Lagos axis, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano and Enugu-Port Harcourt corridors, where the government is seeking to improve electricity supply to households, businesses and industries.

Tegbe, according to a statement on the engagement, said the challenges in Nigeria’s power sector extended beyond electricity generation and transmission to the distribution end, particularly the capacity to take up available power and deliver it efficiently to consumers.

He said the proposed Energy Zones would help bridge the distribution gap, stimulate greater commercial and industrial demand and improve the revenue and collection performance of electricity distribution companies.

The minister also said the Federal Government was prepared to strengthen electricity infrastructure in areas with high demand, noting that investment must keep pace with the country’s growing electricity needs.

He said the approach was necessary to ensure that the expansion of economic activities was matched by adequate power infrastructure and reliable electricity supply.

Tegbe further linked the initiative to the commitment he made upon assuming office to tackle the challenges confronting the power sector through a disciplined and properly sequenced approach.

The minister said the proposed Energy Zones would also support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly its objectives of promoting economic growth, industrialisation and job creation through improved access to reliable energy.

The engagement brought together the leadership of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), Ikeja Electric, Eko Power, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) and Sahara Energy Group.

The meeting forms part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen collaboration with electricity distribution companies and address infrastructure and service-delivery challenges along the electricity value chain.