The Federal Government has begun moves to initiate sweeping reforms to revitalise Nigeria’s electricity distribution sector, starting with a pilot overhaul of two underperforming Distribution Companies(DisCos).
The move follows a comprehensive assessment of systemic challenges plaguing the DisCos, including governance gaps, infrastructure deficits, and commercial inefficiencies.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, outlined the Electricity Distribution Companies reforms after a meeting with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which presented a roadmap titled ‘Revamping of the Distribution Sector in Nigeria’.
A statement signed by the Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the Minister, Bolaji Tunji, said the pilot scheme, slated to commence between May and August 2025, will target one DisCo in the north and another in the south.
The aim is to demonstrate a replicable model for operational turnaround, combining internal restructuring, external expertise, and federal oversight to achieve rapid improvements in service delivery.
JICA’s proposal emphasises reforming DisCos “from within” by integrating outside experts, strengthening leadership, and aligning government support with short-term results in pilot zones to lay the groundwork for long-term sector-wide transformation.
Source;(TribuneOnline)
