AEDC Restores Power to FCT Water Board Following Debt-Induced Disconnection
Abuja Electricity Distribution Company
The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has restored power supply to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Water Board after a disconnection triggered by over 12 months of unpaid electricity bills. In a statement issued on 18 January 2026, the AEDC confirmed that the decision to reconnect the water utility was a temporary measure aimed at mitigating the public health risks associated with the water scarcity experienced by residents across the nation's capital.
Debt Accumulation and Regulatory Compliance
The disconnection followed a prolonged period of indebtedness by the FCT Water Board. According to Omede Odekina, AEDC’s Head of Brand Marketing and Corporate Communications, the board failed to regularise its account despite receiving multiple notices and undergoing several rounds of engagement over the past year. The AEDC maintains that the initial disconnection was carried out in strict accordance with existing regulatory provisions governing the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
The utility company emphasised that service disconnection is typically a measure of last resort used to manage liquidity challenges within the power sector. The persistent failure of high-value consumers to settle outstanding debts continues to strain the operational capacity of Distribution Companies (DisCos) nationwide.
Public Health Considerations and Reconnection Terms
The Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AEDC, Engr. Chijioke Okwuokenye, authorised the immediate restoration of electricity following widespread concerns regarding the impact of the outage on the FCT's water supply. Recognising water as an essential service critical to community well-being, the AEDC prioritised the restoration of the board’s pumping operations to alleviate the hardship faced by residents.
However, the restoration of service is conditional. The AEDC has issued a two-week ultimatum to the FCT Water Board to present and begin the implementation of a credible debt repayment plan. Failure to comply with these terms within the 14-day window will result in a secondary disconnection of the facility.
Implications for FCT Infrastructure Management
This development highlights the ongoing challenges regarding inter-agency debt and the financial sustainability of public utilities in Nigeria. The friction between the electricity provider and the water board underscores a critical need for efficient revenue cycle management within government-run institutions. For policymakers and investors, the incident serves as a reminder of the operational risks inherent in the utility sector when cost-recovery mechanisms are not effectively enforced.
The AEDC reaffirmed its commitment to providing sustainable electricity services while ensuring transparent engagement with all stakeholders. The company urged all customers, including government parastatals, to adhere to payment schedules to ensure the continued stability of the power grid.
