Residents and business owners in parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have appealed to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to improve electricity supply, saying the persistent outages are increasing the cost of doing business.
The residents, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, said communities including Kubwa, Dutse and Dei-Dei now receive electricity for only a few hours each day.
They explained that the poor power supply has forced many traders and artisans to depend on petrol-powered generators and other costly alternatives to keep their businesses running.
Mr. James Odibo, a welder in Kubwa, described the situation as difficult, saying, “We don’t get electricity up to five hours a day. I have to depend on generator to do my business and to get fuel to power it is difficult as the cost has gone up and I cannot afford it. I want to appeal to the AEDC to do something about the poor power situation urgently.”
Mrs. Augusta Obi, a fashion designer, said her area sometimes receives electricity for less than three hours daily, while on some days there is no supply at all.
She appealed to AEDC to improve the situation, noting that the worsening power outages are affecting her business and reducing productivity.
Mrs. Ejiro Umokoro, a civil servant living in Kubwa, said the community had experienced days without electricity, adding that power is sometimes restored only for about two hours at night.
According to her, “My appeal to AEDC is that they should try and fix electricity in this area,” explaining that the poor supply has caused food stored in her freezer to spoil.
Mrs. Patricia Osagie, a caterer in Dutse, also said electricity in her area is irregular, with residents receiving power for only three to five hours on some days and none on others.
She urged the electricity distribution company to improve supply so that small businesses can operate more effectively and reduce operating costs.
Mr. Lekan Ademola, a resident of Dei-Dei, said many households have turned to solar power because of the unreliable electricity supply, but noted that the cost of installing solar systems is beyond the reach of many families.
He called on the Federal Government and relevant authorities to find a lasting solution to the persistent electricity challenges, stressing that stable power remains essential for economic growth, business development and improved living standards in the Federal Capital Territory.
