The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has directed the Benin Electricity Distribution Company Plc to publish the names of electricity consumers owing the company in Edo and Delta States.
The Minister said this while on an inspection tour of power projects in Edo State.
Adelabu gave the directive when he met with the management of the BEDC in Benin on Friday.
He said: “There is nothing wrong with publishing the names of the company’s debtors because electricity supply is not free.
“The BEDC needs money to remain in business and serve its customers well.
“I will not stop you from disconnecting organizations or individuals owing.
Also Read:
- Police nab man for allegedly abducting, killing cousin in Kaduna
- ICPC Case: Court convicts mother of five for forging late Abba Kyari’s signature
- Ajeromi Gas Explosion: Lagos to pay medical bills of survivors
- Businessman slams N5b alleged defamatory suit against journalist, others
- Pro-Wike group visits Assembly residential quarters, says no need for rehabilitation
“I am also not going to stop you from publishing the names of the debtors. Nigerians need to know the truth.
“If you want to publish the names of those owing, you can go ahead and do so.”
Expressing concerns on the high rate of energy theft in the country, Adelabu disclosed that the Federal Government would soon sponsor bills at the National Assembly to check the menace.
He further assured that President Bola Tinubu-led administration was committed to improving power supply to all parts of the country.
Additionally, the Minister promised to complete all abandoned and ongoing power projects before awarding new ones.
In his address, Deolu Ijose, BEDC Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, identified meter bypassing as a major challenge to the company.
“Meter bypassing is making this company run at a loss,” he said.
However, Ijose disclosed that the company had connected many communities to the national grid and provided feeders in its franchise states.