Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission Addresses Power Outages in Tudun Fulani and Maikunkele..
The Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission (NSERC) convened a formal hearing to address ongoing power outages affecting the Tudun Fulani and Maikunkele communities, responding to multiple petitions from residents regarding a total blackout that lasted for 47 days. The hearing took place at the Commission Conference Hall in Minna and was chaired by Engr. Mohammed Sharu FNSE.
In his opening statements, Engr. Sharu highlighted the Commission’s commitment to protecting consumer rights and ensuring reliable electricity across Niger State.
He emphasized the importance of the hearing in responding to the concerns of residents regarding electricity distribution challenges in the affected communities.
The meeting included key stakeholders, such as representatives from the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and the Niger Electricity Distribution Company (NEDC), along with community leaders and civil society observers.
The primary goal of the gathering was to foster a transparent dialogue aimed at resolving disputes and improving the electricity supply and service delivery.
Mr. Emmanuel Oguche, a representative for AEDC, outlined the company’s operational practices in the challenged areas, acknowledging difficulties like aging infrastructure, illegal connections, and billing inefficiencies.
He reassured attendees of the company’s willingness to engage collaboratively with communities to enhance service delivery.
“Our mandate is to ensure reliable and equitable electricity distribution. We are here today to listen and find solutions together,” Mr. Oguche remarked.
Community representatives expressed their frustration over the power situation. Mall Habibi Wushishi voiced discontent regarding issues such as prolonged blackouts, estimated billing in the absence of functional meters, delays in fault resolution, and insufficient communication from NEDC.
A Tudun Fulani resident added, “We have endured years of poor service. Some areas can go weeks without electricity, yet bills continue to arrive. We seek fairness and accountability.”
Similar sentiments were echoed by representatives from Maikunkele,Mallam Adamu Dada, who called for adequate power supply, proper metering, and a transparent load-shedding schedule, along with consistent communication from service providers.
In response to stakeholder discussions, both parties reached key resolutions aiming for immediate as well as long-term solutions. These agreements included the formation of a Joint Task Force comprising officials from AEDC, community leaders, and representatives from NEDC.
The Task Force is tasked with overseeing:
– A comprehensive audit of existing electricity infrastructure in the affected areas.
– Implementation of a mass metering program to eliminate estimated billing.
– Establishment of a Community Liaison Desk for swift complaint resolution.
– Publication of a maintenance and load-shedding schedule.
Engr. Mohammed Sharu reaffirmed to the attendees that the management of electricity distribution in Niger State now falls under the newly established Niger State Electricity Distribution Company (NEDC), as opposed to AEDC.
Closing the hearing, Engr. Maiwada Bello commended both AEDC and community leaders for their respectful and constructive participation. He assured all stakeholders of the Commission’s dedication to promptly addressing the issues raised.
“The Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission is committed to serving the people. We will work diligently to ensure a fair and lasting resolution to these matters,” he stated.
The hearing concluded on a positive note, with a shared commitment from all parties to continue dialogue and prioritize progress in the interests of the residents of Tudun Fulani and Maikunkele.
