The Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) has issued a stern warning to disconnect the power supply to Nigeria’s Presidential Villa in Abuja, along with various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), owing a staggering total debt of N47.1 billion.
According to the AEDC, the Presidential Villa is indebted to the tune of N923,873,150 for outstanding electricity charges.
In a disconnection notice issued on Monday, the AEDC listed the accumulated electricity debts of government MDAs as of December 2023, giving them a 10-day ultimatum to settle their debts or face disconnection and subsequent blackout starting from February 28, 2024.
The electricity distribution company emphasized that the publication of the unpaid bills became necessary due to the prolonged delay in settling their obligations despite previous attempts to resolve the issue.
Meanwhile, reports from The Punch revealed that the 2023 budget approved during the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari allocated a whopping sum of N35.9 million for electricity charges at the Presidential Villa alone.
In 2018, it was disclosed that former President Buhari earmarked N4.9 billion for the maintenance of electricity facilities at the Villa.
In defense of the budget allocation for the Villa, Director General of the Budget Office, Mr. Ben Akabueze, stated, “The Villa is quite an expansive edifice with several residences and support services, so as significant as N4.9 billion sounds it is not too much to keep those facilities in top shape that they have been kept.”
Also, as reported by SaharaReporters hin December 2023, President Tinubu’s administration allocated N37.9 million for generator power at the State House and N260.8 million for electricity charges.
