The Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company have cut off power supply into the government house for allegedly owning.
According to reports, it was gathered that the electric company had cut off power both to the Kaduna State Government House, and other government facilities over alleged N2.9 billion debt.
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This drastic action comes after the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) threatened to seal off the company for an alleged over N600 million in unpaid taxes.
The company announced the disconnection on Friday, August 2, on their official X account, adding that the debt had accumulated since the last seven months (January to July), abd described the decision as a “last resort,” noting that a disconnection notice was issued on July 21 and received by the governor’s office on July 22
The company stated that extensive efforts to resolve the issue through consultations and reconciliations had failed, necessitating the disconnection.
“Kaduna Electric announced the disconnection following extensive efforts to resolve the issue through consultations and reconciliations. The outstanding balance for electricity consumed from January 2024 to July 2024 amounts to N1,166,856,991.87, with a total debt, including historical arrears, reaching N2,943,060,116.77.
“Despite a payment of N256,920,963.88 made on 9 May 2024 for electricity consumed between September 2023 and December 2023, the debt remains significantly high. Kaduna Electric’s decision to disconnect power came after repeated attempts to address the payment issues, including several consultations with state officials.
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“In contrast, other states under the Kaduna Electric franchise, such as Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara, have maintained their accounts in good standing. A disconnection notice was issued on 21 July 2024 and received by the Office of the Governor on 22 July 2024.
“The move reflects Kaduna Electric’s need to meet its financial obligations amidst broader challenges in the electricity sector. Kaduna Electric emphasised that the disconnection was a last resort after all other avenues for resolving the payment issue were exhausted. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) previously intervened in Kaduna Electric, installing an Administrator and Special Board to oversee the company during a transitionary period prior to an official takeover by the current investors.
“The Administrator committed to an agreement with the Kaduna Inland Revenue Service to pay N20 million monthly, including statutory monthly tax payments, an agreement that has been honoured since the takeover by the current management. The situation underscores the urgent need for improved financial management and timely payments by government entities to avoid disruptions in essential services.”
