• AEDC in talks to buy power from 350-MW NNPC plant
• Deal aims to boost electricity supply in Abuja area
• National output falls to 4,300 MW amid gas shortages

AEDC is in talks to buy electricity directly from a 350-MW plant being developed by state-owned energy firm NNPC in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria’s Vanguard newspaper reported on Saturday.

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, formed after the privatization of the power sector, distributes electricity in the federal capital and surrounding states.

Chijioke Okwuokenye, AEDC’s acting managing director, said the company is exploring the arrangement to improve power supply stability within its franchise area, which includes Abuja and the states of Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger.

He said the objective is to extend daily electricity supply hours for consumers in the capital. Discussions are ongoing on volumes and contract terms, and no signing date has been announced.

The proposed deal would be in line with reforms allowing direct agreements between power producers and distribution companies in Nigeria’s electricity sector.

It comes as national generation has declined due to gas shortages, the main fuel for Nigeria’s thermal power plants.

The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) said national output has fallen to about 4,300 megawatts after gas supplies to thermal plants dropped to less than 43% of required daily volumes.

Lower gas deliveries have led to outages and power rationing across the country, as thermal plants are unable to operate at full capacity. Data reported by Ecofin Agency show that reduced gas supply is limiting available capacity on the national grid, affecting distributors including AEDC.

Abdel-Latif Boureima