By Our Reporter

Nearly three months after a high-level meeting between Governor Abdullahi A. Sule of Nasarawa State and top officials of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), hopes for improved electricity supply in Lafia remain unfulfilled. The much-anticipated revitalization of the 2×15 MVA (L15) Injection Substation along Shendam Road, once hailed as a breakthrough development is yet to materialize, raising serious questions about the commitment behind the publicized promises.

The meeting, attended by AEDC’s Managing Director, Engr. Chijioke Okwuokenye, and the leadership of the Nasarawa State Electricity Board (NASEB), including its MD/CEO Engr. Yakubu Suleiman Umar, was seen as a turning point. Governor Sule himself described the collaboration as “key to addressing the power challenges faced by our people.”

But today, the residents of Lafia and surrounding communities continue to grapple with erratic electricity supply, frequent outages, and in some areas, complete blackouts.

For many residents, the excitement that followed the announcement has turned to frustration. “We were hopeful when the governor said things would change. But three months later, it feels like nothing has been done,” says Ibrahim Musa, a welder in the Makurdi Road area. “Our businesses are still suffering.”

The 2×15 MVA Injection Substation was identified as a critical infrastructure project that would not only stabilize power in Lafia but also support future expansion to meet the area’s growing population and economic activity. The substation, which has been largely inactive, was expected to be revived through joint efforts between the state and AEDC.

Yet, there has been no visible movement on the site, no contractors, no equipment, and no official update from either the state government or AEDC.

Repeated attempts by local media, including Nasarawa Eye, to get updates from AEDC have been met with vague assurances or silence. Officials continue to cite “technical assessments” and “procurement processes” as reasons for the delay, but fail to provide timelines or clear progress reports.

“This is not the first time we’ve heard grand promises about fixing power in Lafia,” says civil society advocate Halima Audu of the Nasarawa Community Action Group. “What’s worrying is the complete lack of accountability. After the press releases and photo ops, there’s no follow-through.”

Lafia, the state capital, has grown into a bustling urban center in recent years, with increasing energy needs across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. The unreliable power supply has forced many businesses to rely on expensive diesel generators, pushing up the cost of goods and services.

For households, especially in low-income neighborhoods, life remains a daily struggle. “We’re in the dark most nights,” says Maryam Yakubu, a mother of four. “My children can’t even read after sunse.”

Experts warn that without swift intervention, the continued power instability could undermine economic growth and investor confidence in the state.

Residents and civil society groups are now calling on Governor Sule and AEDC to provide a clear, public update on the status of the substation revitalization including detailed timelines, challenges encountered, and when the people of Lafia can realistically expect relief.

“This isn’t just about infrastructure, it’s about trust,” says Halima Audu. “If our leaders can’t follow through on something as fundamental as electricity, what message does that send about governance in Nasarawa?”

Governor Sule, who has been vocal about infrastructure development and economic growth, now faces pressure to ensure that the promise made in May this year, does not become yet another unfulfilled commitment. The people of Lafia are watching and waiting.