The Federal Government has begun talks with electricity distribution companies (DisCos) on plans to establish dedicated energy zones to provide round-the-clock electricity in major commercial and industrial centres.
The proposed zones will cover the Lagos axis, the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridor and the Enugu-Port Harcourt corridor, according to the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe.
Tegbe disclosed the plan after a closed-door meeting with the leadership of selected electricity distribution companies, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by his media aide, Adeola Adelabu.
The initiative is aimed at addressing distribution challenges that prevent available electricity from reaching homes, businesses and industries consistently.
The minister said the power sector's challenges extended beyond generation and transmission to the ability of distribution companies to receive and deliver electricity to consumers.
“The constraint on the sector is not limited to generation and transmission but includes how much power is taken up and delivered at the distribution end,” the statement quoted him as saying.
Tegbe said the proposed zones would help bridge the gap, stimulate commercial and industrial demand, and improve the revenue and collection performance of distribution companies.
He also reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to expanding electricity infrastructure in high-demand areas to ensure supply keeps pace with the needs of the growing economy.
The engagement forms part of the minister's plan to adopt a disciplined and phased approach to addressing challenges in the electricity sector.
It also aligns with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which identifies reliable electricity as a driver of economic growth, industrialisation and job creation.
Representatives of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, Ikeja Electric, Eko Power, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company and Sahara Energy Group attended the meeting.
However, the government has yet to announce an implementation timeline, the proposed electricity capacity for the zones or the specific infrastructure investments required to achieve uninterrupted supply.
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