Agencies and institutions under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) continue to experience blackouts following the disconnection of their power supply by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) a month ago.

The Director of the Department of Facilities Maintenance and Management (DFMM) at the FCTA, Engr. Ayuba Usman, confirmed the development yesterday but said “efforts are in top gear” to resolve the issue.

Abuja Metro reports that the FCT Water Board is among the worst affected, raising fears of water scarcity in the nation’s capital. Both its headquarters in the Garki District and the water treatment plant at Usuma Dam in Bwari Area Council have been disconnected from the national grid.

Other affected institutions include Asokoro District Hospital, Bwari General Hospital, and Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS), Dutse.

Engr. Usman noted that the disconnection exercise is being managed by AEDC area managers.

He added that some agencies were spared due to the mutual understanding and cooperation between the parties.

Reports indicate that the Abuja water treatment plant owes the power utility about N600 million, while Bwari General Hospital reportedly owes N400 million.

Further findings revealed that the last payment settled by the department covered the period from November 2024 to April 2025, during which only 30% of the bill was paid, leaving a 70% outstanding balance. Some school principals told Abuja Metro that this is the first time electricity bills were served directly to their schools—a departure from the previous practice where the FCTA settled bills on their behalf.

Abuja Metro learnt that the ongoing disconnections have already begun to impact essential services.

In a leaked letter addressed to the Nigeria Civil Service Union dated January 12, 2026, the FCT Water Board protested what it called the “persistent and arbitrary” power disconnection by the AEDC.

The agency warned that the action has disrupted water production and distribution, exposing FCT residents to acute water shortages, public health risks, and environmental hazards.

The letter urged: “Any individual, department, or authority responsible for this failure should promptly offset the outstanding obligations and engage the AEDC proactively, or be held accountable for the consequences, including widespread water scarcity across the FCT.”

The Head of Brand Marketing and Corporate Communication at AEDC, Omede Odekina, confirmed the disconnections.

He emphasized that the AEDC is a business, “not a charity organization,” and can only provide efficient services when customers pay their dues.

He noted that while the company provides windows for negotiation on unremitted bills, disconnection becomes the only option when such discussions fail. (Daily Trust)

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