FG begins talks with DisCos on 24-hour electricity supply in major demand centres

The Federal Government has commenced discussions with electricity distribution companies (DisCos) on plans to establish special Energy Zones that could provide stable 24-hour electricity to homes, businesses and industries in major demand centres across Nigeria.

The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, held a closed-door meeting with executives of selected DisCos to discuss the proposal, which is expected to cover the Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, Enugu and Port Harcourt corridors.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the minister’s media aide, Adeola Adelabu, the initiative is aimed at ensuring that electricity generated and transmitted to the national grid reaches consumers more reliably.

The proposed Energy Zones will particularly target areas with significant commercial and industrial activities, where reliable electricity supply is critical to economic growth.

Tegbe said the challenges in Nigeria’s power sector extend beyond generation and transmission to the distribution end, where available electricity must be effectively delivered to consumers.

“The constraint on the sector is not limited to generation and transmission but includes how much power is taken up and delivered at the distribution end,” he said.

The minister explained that the Energy Zones would help address distribution challenges, unlock more commercial and industrial demand, and improve the revenue and collection performance of electricity distribution companies.

He also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s plan to expand electricity infrastructure in areas with high demand, stressing that power supply capacity must grow alongside Nigeria’s expanding economy.

However, the government has not announced a timeline for the commencement of the Energy Zones or disclosed the amount of electricity they are expected to deliver.

Details of the specific infrastructure investments required to achieve round-the-clock power supply have also not been made public.

Representatives of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, Ikeja Electric, Eko Power, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company and Sahara Energy Group attended the meeting.

The proposal comes amid persistent concerns over unreliable electricity supply and challenges in ensuring that available power is effectively delivered to consumers across the country.