Lapai Power: AEDC Says Electricity May Return Before End of Week

AEDC official Yahaya Abubakar gives assurance as Emir inspects 10kVA transformer installation

An official of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), Yahaya Abubakar, says electricity could be restored to affected parts of Lapai before the end of the week, following ongoing work on a newly installed 10kVA transformer.

Abubakar gave the indication during an inspection of the transformer installation by the Emir of Lapai, Alhaji Umar Bago Tafida III.

Parts of Lapai have been without electricity for several weeks after a 5kVA transformer serving the affected areas was burnt and reportedly damaged beyond repair. The incident prompted the installation of the new transformer as part of efforts to restore power supply to the affected communities.

Addressing allegations that an AEDC staff member was involved in the reported disappearance of a component of the new transformer, Abubakar denied the allegation.

He explained that the transformer had not yet been formally handed over to AEDC and that the company had therefore not officially assumed responsibility for the equipment.

Abubakar added that the contractor handling the project had deployed specially trained engineers to carry out the installation.

The Emir, during his inspection of the project, commended the progress recorded so far but expressed concern over the prolonged electricity outage affecting residents.

Emir Addresses Electricity Committee Allegations

The Emir also responded to allegations concerning the alleged mismanagement of ₦2million reportedly deposited monthly into an account operated by the committee overseeing electricity affairs in the Lapai Emirate.

The chairman of the committee was reportedly out of town during the visit and was therefore unavailable to respond directly to the allegation.

The Emir urged residents to recognise the committee's contribution to electricity-related affairs, noting that the committee has been in existence for about 10 years.

He appealed to residents and community stakeholders to avoid blame games and instead focus on practical efforts to improve electricity supply and advance development in Lapai.

The reported restoration timeline remains an assurance from the AEDC official and will be subject to the completion of the transformer installation and related technical work.