President Bola Tinubu has taken swift action to resolve the looming disconnection threat over the outstanding electricity bill owed by Aso Rock, the nation’s seat of power.
The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) in an advertorial titled ‘Notice of disconnection’ published on Monday said that the presidential villa and 86 government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) collectively owe N47.1 billion in electricity bills, with the presidential villa alone owing N923.87 million.
In response to the 10-day notice, Tinubu intervened after a thorough reconciliation of accounts between the State House Management and the AEDC.
According to Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu directed the immediate settlement of the outstanding debt.
Contrary to the initial claim by AEDC, the actual outstanding bill for the State House amounts to N342,352,217.46, as confirmed in a letter from the AEDC management to the State House Permanent Secretary dated February 14, 2024.
Rt Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, assured that the debt would be settled before the end of the week, following the reconciliation of accounts.
“President Bola Tinubu has directed immediate settlement of outstanding electricity bill due to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company,” the statement read.
“The President’s directive follows the reconciliation of accounts between the State House Management and AEDC.
“Contrary to the AEDC’s initial claim of N923million debt in paid advertorial in newspapers, the State House outstanding bill is N342, 352, 217.46, according to a letter by the management of AEDC to the State House Permanent Secretary dated February 14, 2024.
“Having reconciled the position to the satisfaction of both parties, the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has given assurance that the debt will be paid to AEDC before the end of this week.”
Onanuga emphasized the importance of other MDAs reconciling their accounts with AEDC and settling their electricity bills promptly.
