Electricity remains a fundamental driver of economic growth, public safety, and social well-being. In Nasarawa State, the unreliable power supply provided by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has become a persistent source of frustration for residents and businesses alike. Despite the numerous complaints lodged by consumers across Lafia, Karu, Keffi, and other parts of the state, very little has been done to address the inefficiency and erratic service delivery that has plagued the power distribution network.

It is in this context that we call upon the Nasarawa State Electricity Board to rise to its constitutional and moral responsibility to provide effective oversight of AEDC’s operations within the state.

The board cannot continue to remain passive while the very entity entrusted with power distribution subjects citizens to prolonged blackouts, unresponsive customer service, unexplained disconnections, and billing irregularities. The lack of accountability has emboldened AEDC to operate with impunity, knowing that the mechanisms meant to monitor and regulate its performance remain weak or inactive.

We urge the Electricity Board to:

1. Conduct Regular Audits of AEDC’s supply schedule and service reports to identify discrepancies between what is promised and what is delivered.
2. Establish a Public Complaint Redress Mechanism where residents can directly report issues and receive timely intervention.
3. Hold AEDC Accountable for failures in service delivery by applying regulatory pressure, issuing sanctions when necessary, and ensuring transparency in their operations.
4. Collaborate with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to ensure AEDC’s activities align with national standards and that penalties for underperformance are enforced.
5. Engage Community Stakeholders, including civil society organizations, to create a feedback loop that keeps AEDC responsive to the needs of the people.

Electricity is not a luxury. It is a right. And when a utility company repeatedly fails to meet its obligations, the regulatory body must not remain silent. The Nasarawa State Electricity Board must act boldly and decisively. Oversight is not just a function—it is a duty.

The time for passive observation is over. The people of Nasarawa deserve better.