Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, sternly asserts that the acquisition of transformers, electricity poles, or power cables is exclusively within the purview of power distribution companies (DISCOs) and not the residents of communities.
Speaking during an inspection tour of electricity installations in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday, the minister conveyed this message while engaging with the management of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company.
Expressing his commitment to ending this practice, Adelabu assured DISCOs of federal government support in fulfilling their responsibilities. He expressed concern over consumer complaints regarding the metering system and pledged to rectify the situation by abolishing estimated billings in the power sector.
Minister Adelabu emphasized, “Distribution companies must provide transformers, cables, and poles to communities for an improved power supply. The era of communities procuring these items must cease. If consumers are paying for electricity, it is the duty of distribution companies to furnish these necessities.”
Highlighting the government’s stance, he further stated, “We don’t want to hear news of communities buying transformers, cables, and poles. The federal government disapproves of it. Ensuring a consistent power supply is vital. People should not pay for darkness. When communities experience 24-hour power, they can willingly pay more for electricity, having saved on generator costs.”
Addressing the importance of effective service, Minister Adelabu concluded, “Service to our people is paramount. It is the responsibility placed on us by Mr. President. We aim for excellence in our rankings, and the government condemns communities being burdened with procuring transformers, cables, and poles, as witnessed in our initiatives in Kaduna.”