Stakeholders threaten to shut down hydroelectric dams in Niger State

Some pressure groups in Niger State have vowed to shut down the three Hydroelectric dams in the state in 21 days, if the Abuja Electric Distribution Company, AEDC, fails to provide 24 hours electricity and Pre-Paid Meters to consumers.

The groups include the state Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Trade Union Congress, TUC, Youth groups, Religious leaders as well as Association of Commercial Motorcycle and Riders of Nigeria, ACCOMORON.

Speaking to Journalists shortly after meeting with the stakeholders in Minna, the chairman House Committee on Labour and Productivity, Hon. Malik Madaki, representing Bosso Constituency said the Committee has met with the relevant stakeholders on the power situation in the state and made decisions concerning the power issues.

He said it was agreed that AEDC must before the expiration of the three weeks ultimatum supply electricity and Pre-Paid Meters to the residents or should be ready to face mass protest by consumers.

He said the AEDC will be communicated officially on the decision taken on the issue.

The lawmaker decried the situation where states across the nation enjoy adequate power supply, while the host state, Niger is suffering.

“The AEDC must restore power for 24 hours and give us Pre-Paid Meters or we will be forced to protest and shut down the three dams. So, that Nigerians will feel what we are feeling in the state”

Malik further reasoned, “We are not even supposed to pay for electricity because we host the dams and provide security for the company to do business peacefully. deny us power, we have means of getting it."

Also, the state Chairman TUC, Yunusa Tanimu said consumers of electricity in the state have been patient and would henceforth, no longer accept the treatment being given to them by AEDC.

The state TUC leader said, “all we are saying is they should give us meters or we will take drastic action against the power company. We, the relevant stakeholders have met and taken our decision.”

Similarly, the leader of the Youths, Bello Sherif said youths in the state are tired of the light situation and prepared to join in the mass protest.

“The youths are mostly affected by the electricity challenge in the state and that is why we are ready to mobilize the over 2.5 million youths in Niger State to the dams. We are tired, the situation is affecting our businesses.”

Denying complaints by AEDC that Nigerlites do not pay for services rendered, he said, "the company is lying. It is not ready to do business in Niger State. It should come up with strategies to get its money. Ask MTN, will the company say we are not paying? So, AEDC should come up with ways of recouping its money.”