Bago settles N1b AEDC debt, earmarks N989m for 600 transformers overhaul

Bago settles N1b AEDC debt, earmarks N989m for 600 transformers overhaul
By Aideloje Ojo, Minna
Niger state Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has paid over N1 billion debt to Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) towards ensuring steady and uninterrupted power supply to residents of the state.
Bago disclosed this in Minna while flagging off the “Bago Electrifying Niger Agenda” in which 600 transformers of different capacities are scheduled for overhauling.
He said, ” we have also established a partnership that would ensure that the people of Niger state enjoy consistent power supply”.
He explained that so far, 60 transformers of different capacities have been overhauled.
” Niger state being the host to four hydro dams in Nigeria cannot depend completely on the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), for the repairs or procurement of transformers hence, the State government has invested heavily in that regard”.
He said that about 200 transformers already procured by his administration, are set for distribution to deserving communities.
According to him, ” our administration has paid over N1 billion debt to AEDC . I therefore enjoined the AEDC officials to protect the transformers.”
He appreciated the Atizan Concept Limited; the company in charge of the overhauling of the transformers, while expressing optimism that the transformers would boost the socio-economic activities in the state.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Alh. Muhammed Bashir Lokogoma said the state government embarked on the project considering the overwhelming requests from the public on the supply of new or repair of existing transformers.
The commissioner noted that the sum of N898 million was approved by the Niger State Executive Council for the project.
He disclosed that a 10 MVA sub-station is being constructed in Lapai at the cost of N979 million to ensure efficient power supply to the people of Lapai and its environs.
In a remark, the Chief Business Officer, Niger Zone, AEDC, Eng. Samuel Odekina and the Board member AEDC, and former Managing Director, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Engineer Abubakar Atiku Tambuwal, in their separate goodwill messages, applauded the efforts of Governor Bago in powering the state and addressing other challenges.
He assured of AEDC continued support to the Governor’s vision by delivering power to every home and business in Niger state.