The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has confirmed that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has intervened to resolve the power disruption affecting Maitama and adjoining areas following the alleged invasion of its C2 Maitama Substation by land grabbers.
The C2 Maitama Substation — a critical electricity distribution hub serving homes, businesses, diplomatic missions, and government institutions — was encroached upon by suspects reportedly led by an Assistant Director of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Mr. Chinedu Okoro.
Spear News Nigeria reports that a concerned Abuja resident recently raised the alarm over what he described as the illegal allocation of government land in Maitama to a private individual by the FCT Administration. According to the complainant, excavation work on the site has damaged underground power cables, cutting electricity to a section of the upscale district for two days running.
AEDC stated that vital electricity cables and other network infrastructure were damaged during the encroachment, making it unsafe and technically impossible to continue power supply from the facility. The disruption has thrown the entire Maitama District and adjoining communities into darkness.
In a follow-up statement issued at the weekend, AEDC disclosed that the matter had been escalated to the highest levels of the FCT Administration, with Wike personally intervening.
“We are pleased to confirm that the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, has been fully briefed on the situation and has personally intervened to facilitate an urgent resolution of the issues responsible for the current power disruption affecting Maitama and adjoining areas,” the company stated.
AEDC said it is working closely with the Minister, the FCT Administration, security agencies, and other relevant stakeholders to secure the substation, protect critical infrastructure, and expedite the restoration of electricity supply.
The distribution company insisted that both the substation and the land on which it is located belong to AEDC. It has petitioned the relevant authorities over the activities of those involved, calling for a thorough investigation and appropriate sanctions in line with the law.
AEDC commended the Minister for his swift intervention and unwavering commitment to resolving the crisis.
The company assured customers that restoration efforts will commence as soon as the substation is secured and the damaged infrastructure is rebuilt, while appealing to residents for patience and understanding during this challenging period.
“We strongly condemn any encroachment on critical national infrastructure, as such actions deprive communities of essential electricity supply, disrupt economic activities and compromise public interest,” AEDC said.
Discussion about this post