The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has assured electricity consumers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and neighboring franchise areas that full power supply will be restored within 11 days following ongoing repair work on a vandalized transmission line.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has committed to completing restoration efforts on the damaged underground 132kV transmission cable near Millennium Park, Abuja, by February 23, 2025.
Power Supply Disruptions Across Key Areas
The outage has severely affected major districts, including:
- Wuye, Utako, Jabi, Mabushi, Katampe, Life Camp, Wuse Zones 1-7, Wuse 2, Maitama, and parts of the Central Business District
AEDC’s Statement on Restoration Timeline
In an official update on its X handle, AEDC acknowledged the inconvenience faced by residents and businesses and reassured consumers that work was ongoing to resolve the situation.
“Dear valued customers, we regret the continued power supply disruption affecting multiple districts due to the vandalization of the 132kV Katampe – Central Area underground transmission cable,” the company stated.
“The Transmission Company of Nigeria has assured us that restoration efforts are actively ongoing, with its engineers working day and night to replace and reconnect the damaged cable. TCN has committed to completing the work and restoring normal power supply to Central Area Transmission Substation (AT5) by February 23, 2025. We understand the inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience.”
While repairs continue, AEDC said it would implement load management measures to optimize the available power supply.
188 Locations Affected by Widespread Outages
Aside from the current transmission line repairs, at least 188 locations in the FCT have suffered frequent power outages due to technical faults in the last two months.
Between January 1 and February 11, 2025, widespread outages were reported, caused by feeder faults, infrastructure maintenance, and the relocation of transmission lines.
An analysis of 26 official outage notices posted by AEDC revealed that businesses and residential areas in Abuja experienced significant disruptions, despite AEDC collecting N229.39 billion in revenue for electricity usage in 2024.
Breakdown of Major Power Outages Since January
- January 4, 2025 – The first power outage of the year affected the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and surrounding areas.
- January 5, 2025 – Power supply was cut in Agwan Koro, Madalla, Police Estate, Efab Estate Dakwa, FHA Zuba, Dakwa, Anagada Tungamaje, and parts of Dei-Dei and Jiwa due to a technical fault.
- January 6, 2025 – A prolonged power outage impacted Garki Areas 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, Durumi Area 1, Diplomatic Drive, National Hospital, The Dome, Russian Embassy, Equatorial Guinea Embassy, UN, World Trade Center, ICPC, and Church Gate.
- January 18, 2025 – Several locations, including Bolingo Hotel, Cool FM, Kubwa, FCDA, Army Scheme, Kubwa Village, Papal Ground, parts of Karasana, Berger Camp, and Gado Nasko Road, were affected.
- January 30, 2025 – Power supply was disrupted at Banex Plaza and surrounding areas.
- February 11, 2025 – The latest major outage affected Army Barracks, Water Works, Masuga Kontagora, and surrounding areas.
Ongoing Technical Issues Despite Revenue Collection
AEDC has attributed many of these outages to technical faults, despite collecting significant revenue from electricity consumers.
The company has also cited TCN maintenance activities, station upgrades, and the relocation of major transmission lines, such as:
- 33KV DC Airport Feeder relocation
- 132KV Kukwaba-Apo Transmission Line Tower adjustments
AEDC Reassures Consumers of Efforts to Restore Power
In response to public frustration, AEDC has assured customers that its technical teams are working tirelessly to resolve the issues.
“Our dedicated technical team is working tirelessly to restore power as quickly as possible. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appeal for your patience,” the company stated.
What to Expect Next
- February 23, 2025 – Full restoration of power supply to Central Area Transmission Substation (AT5) after repair work is completed.
- Ongoing load management – To optimize the available power supply while repairs continue.
- Continued monitoring and maintenance – AEDC has pledged to improve infrastructure reliability and reduce outages.
Despite AEDC and TCN’s assurances, electricity consumers in Abuja and surrounding areas remain frustrated by recurrent outages, raising concerns about long-term energy stability and infrastructure resilience.
