The Jos Electricity Distribution Company says it is being owed over N1 billion in electricity consumption by security agencies in Plateau State.
Jibo Verr, the Executive Director of Marketing of JEDC, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Jos on Wednesdaythat the debt mounted over a period of five years.
Verr noted that it was a carryover of debt owed the Power Holding Company of Nigeria by the military and paramilitary agencies.
According to him, debt collection from security agencies is handled with some sort of caution because they provide essential services to the public and guard the company’s facilities.
He, however, said the huge debt portfolio posed serious financial challenges to the smooth and effective running of the company if not immediately solved.
Verr said: “The way we handle bill payments from government related agencies, especially those providing essential services like the security agencies, is entirely different from other customers.
“At the moment, if we put together debts owed by all the military and paramilitary agencies, the money will be running into a billion naira.
“You will agree with me that if they offset this huge debt, it will go a long way in helping us settle some things that will aid in providing more reliable and better services to our teaming customers.”
Verr, however, said that government had intervened to help solve the mounting debt situation.
He said: “Government has asked us not to disconnect any of the security agencies and has promised to offset the debt.
“We have compiled the whole debt and have presented it to government as we wait for further actions.”
He appealed to government agencies and other customers to ensure prompt payment of bills to ensure adequate service delivery.
NAN.