The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee has summoned 11 electricity Distribution Companies (Discos) over an outstanding debt of N2.6 trillion owed to the federation account.

The resolution followed an investigative hearing on Wednesday chaired by Rep. Bamidele Salam, after a review of the 2021 Auditor-General’s report.

Appearing before the Committee, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET) Plc, Mr. Johnson Akinnawo, confirmed the scale of the indebtedness.

Documents submitted by NBET showed that as of September 30, 2020, the Discos collectively owed N2.6 trillion.

The breakdown reveals that Abuja Disco tops the list with about N330.4 billion, followed closely by Ibadan Disco with N325.7 billion, Ikeja Disco with N310 billion, and Kaduna Disco with N277.7 billion.

Enugu Disco’s liability stood at N258.3 billion, while Port Harcourt Disco owed N239.7 billion and Benin Disco N233.2 billion.

Eko Disco’s debt was put at N231 billion, Kano Disco at N211.7 billion, and Jos Disco at N161.7 billion. Yola Disco, though the lowest, still accounted for a substantial N107.4 billion.

The Auditor-General’s report also flagged other irregularities in the power sector, including N30 billion in uncollected debt by NBET from market operators, a N549 million shortfall in NBET’s statutory 1% income from institutional charges, and N100 billion paid to GENCOs for electricity not delivered to the grid.

It also noted that Nigeria is owed N26 billion by two foreign firms for electricity exported to Togo, Benin, and Niger, while the Discos themselves under-remitted about N166 billion, far below the minimum threshold set by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). In addition, the 11 Discos left N2.7 billion in invoices unpaid.

During deliberations, Hon. Yahya Kusada moved a motion—seconded by Hon. Billy Osawaru—directing that all 11 Discos appear before the Committee to explain the persistent default.

“With the magnitude of liabilities before us, it is imperative that these companies clarify their positions and present clear repayment plans,” Kusada stated.

The Committee further resolved to summon other market operators and participants cited in the Auditor-General’s report.

A date for the appearances will be communicated to the affected parties in due course.