Nigerian Government Owes N100 Billion in Electricity Debt, Says ANED Executive Director

Sunday Oduntan, the Executive Director of the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED), has revealed that the Nigerian government currently owes approximately N100 billion in outstanding electricity bills. Speaking in an interview with Arise TV, Oduntan emphasized the need for the government to create an enabling environment for energy distributors in the country.

According to Oduntan, the total debt owed by various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) amounts to N100 billion. He highlighted that the recent settlement of debts by the presidential villa to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company could have been avoided if the government had been prompt in settling its electricity bills.

Oduntan stressed the importance of all parties fulfilling their obligations, stating, “I said all of us need to pay our part. On the part of the government, always try to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. Always play your part by paying your bill.”

He also pointed out that the issue of government debt is not new, stating, “We’ve been saying this for a long time. They didn’t start owing from May 2023. So there is no politics or mischief here. We are talking facts and how we can solve problems.”

Earlier, it was reported that President Bola Tinubu directed the clearance of the N342.3 million outstanding electricity bill with the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company. This directive followed the completion of account reconciliation by the State House Management and AEDC.

In response to the outstanding debts, the Discos, including AEDC, listed several government ministries, departments, and agencies with unpaid bills for electricity supply. The statement issued by AEDC highlighted the need for these entities to honour their obligations, as previous attempts to collect payment had not been successful.

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