Four states will have consistent electricity from next year – AEDC
From Our Correspondent
The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has pledged to end persistent blackouts across its franchise area by 2027, relying on a new 350MW gas plant and infrastructure upgrades to stabilize power supply.
The AEDC has announced a strategic plan to eliminate frequent blackouts and power interruptions across the Federal Capital Territory and the states of Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa by 2027.
Speaking at an event in Abuja on Thursday, February 26, 2026, AEDC’s Chief Executive, Engr. Chijioke Okwuokenye, stated that the company is moving toward a more reliable operational model.
He cited recent nationwide drops in supply as seasonal issues affecting the national grid but assured customers that the company is implementing localized solutions to address these systemic vulnerabilities.
A key part of this reliability effort involves integrating the Nigerian National Petroleum Company’s (NNPC) 350-megawatt gas-to-power plant, which is currently under construction in Gwagwalada.
Okwuokenye revealed that the distribution company expects to leverage this plant by the last quarter of 2026 or early 2027 to significantly increase the available energy for the capital and surrounding areas.
“By this time next year, this significant power drop will be a thing of the past. By this time next year, we will not be affected by the drop in power supply from the National Grid,” he said, highlighting that the company is actively working to disconnect its service quality from the grid’s notorious instability.
In the short term, AEDC is focusing on expanding infrastructure, including building new feeders specifically for high-demand areas.
Starting in the second week of March 2026, a new feeder project will begin in Wuse and Idu, aimed at providing at least 20 hours of daily electricity to residents and businesses in those areas.
While acknowledging the challenge, Okwuokenye maintained optimism, saying: “It may sound like a tall order, but it is possible; we have the support of our board, shareholders, and the government.”
He also stated that the company is prioritizing its transition to a smart grid to fight energy theft and improve real-time fault detection.
