The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) is facing mounting pressure following a prolonged power outage in Bwari Area Council, one of the largest and most densely populated councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The blackout, which has lasted nearly two weeks, is reportedly caused by a faulty circuit breaker at the Kubwa transmission station, plunging areas such as Kubwa, Dutse, Gwarinpa, Sokale, Ushafa, Jiigo, Pambara, and Usma Dam into darkness.
The situation is particularly concerning as Bwari is home to key federal institutions including the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the Nigerian Law School, and several other government agencies.
According to an insider who spoke with DAILY POST, the power disruption has led to significant economic losses, with businesses and households struggling to cope under the harsh conditions.
“It’s shocking that a faulty circuit breaker — not even a transformer — could leave over 10 million people without power for days. In any serious country, this would take less than an hour to fix,” the source lamented, blaming bureaucratic bottlenecks and incompetence for the delay.
A staff of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), speaking anonymously, confirmed the technical fault but insisted the company was working to resolve the issue. He disclosed that TCN had applied for funds through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to replace the faulty equipment.
Meanwhile, efforts to provide temporary relief by linking the affected areas to the NDIA circuit breaker have been unsuccessful, as the alternate connection frequently trips due to overload.
Frustration among residents is rising. Chief James Ojobo of Dutse Alhaji expressed his anger, warning that residents are preparing for a mass protest.
“Our patience has been stretched thin. We’ve lost food, goods, and income. This level of neglect is unacceptable,” he said.
Hon. Emeka Ohaeri, Chairman of Pmagbe Landlords Association, echoed the sentiment, stating he’s been inundated with calls from residents demanding answers.
“I’ve made efforts to intervene, but both AEDC and TCN have not been transparent. There’s talk that the issue might be resolved soon, but if not, I fear a major protest is imminent,” he added.
Efforts to contact the Bwari branch of AEDC were unsuccessful, as the office is reportedly undergoing a management change. Calls to the known Area Manager, Engineer Bolaji, went unanswered.
AEDC had earlier issued a statement on May 8 attributing the blackout to a technical fault on the 33kV Bwari feeder, assuring the public that TCN was working to restore supply. However, no further official updates have been provided since then.
As tension continues to escalate, residents say they have exhausted their patience and are ready to take to the streets if power is not restored promptly.
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