Mixed Reactions Trail Power Supply Gains In Abuja

Some residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) say power supply has improved in their areas.

The residents spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Some other residents of the territory, however, said that they had yet to see any improvement.

They spoke against the backdrop of the assurance given by the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, on March 24, that power supply would improve within two weeks.

Adelabu had also apologised to Nigerians for the country’s current power situation.

“We have set up a committee, and there is positive feedback from gas suppliers on the timeline for repairing the gas pipelines. I can say that within two weeks, we should start seeing improvements in power,” he said.

The residents, especially in satellite towns of Bwari, Lugbe and parts of Kubwa, said that during the Easter period, electricity improved in their areas.

However, others complained of persistent power outages and a weak supply, with some reporting less than a few hours of electricity daily.

Mr Stephen Omede, a businessman resident in Kubwa, said that power supply improved in his area during the Easter break.

He said that this may be due to the N3.3tn approval to clear legacy debt in the sector.

Mrs Ndidi Obi, a fashion designer in Kubwa, also said that there had been an improvement in electricity supply in recent times.

“I was surprised when I slept with the light for the first time in six months during this festive period,” she said.

Mr Samuel Agim, a welder, lives in Lugbe and said that there was a slight improvement in electricity in his area.

According to him, in the past few days, electricity improved from about four hours to eight hours daily.

Mrs Akugbe Odigie, a businesswoman resident in Kuje, said that the erratic power supply had resulted in increased operational costs, with many businesses relying on expensive fuel for generators.

Odigie said that fuel now costs between N1,300 and N1,400 per litre, which makes the businesses less profitable.

According to her, the situation is crippling small and medium-scale enterprises.

She appealed to the Federal Government to urgently look into the matter.

Mr Benson Edet, a Fashion designer based in Bwari, said that he was happy when the minister announced that electricity would improve in two weeks.

Edet said that the government should do everything possible to improve the power supply to allow citizens to live well.

Mr Thompson Gbeja, a barber in Lugbe, said that there was a need for improved infrastructure to ensure a steady power supply.

Gbeja said that the power situation was so bad that for days, he would not be able to do his job.

“I am appealing to the government to do everything possible to improve electricity, as most businesses and households are affected by the situation,” he said.
Mrs Happiness Onoja, who operates a restaurant in Kubwa, said that the situation had prompted her to close her business as the cost of running a generator was a burden to her.

Onoja said, “I was happy when the minister made the promise to improve the electricity supply in two weeks.

“But up till now, nothing has been done. My appeal is that the government should do everything possible to ensure steady electricity,” she said.