The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has warned residents of several key areas in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of power outages from January 6 to January 21, 2025. The power interruptions will affect both residential and commercial areas as the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) undertakes a major project to relocate vital transmission lines.
In an official statement released through its social media channels, AEDC revealed that the relocation of the 33KV DC Airport Feeder and 132KV Kukwaba-Apo Transmission Line Towers will cause disruptions to the power supply in areas such as Lugbe, Airport Road, Kapwa, NNPC, and other surrounding neighborhoods.
“Temporary Outages to Impact Several Key Locations”
The statement highlighted that the power outages would affect high-traffic areas of Abuja, including government buildings, commercial hubs, and diplomatic quarters. Some of the affected locations include the American Embassy Quarters, Games Village, National Stadium, and the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), among others.
“Please be informed that there will be power interruptions from January 6-21, 2025, due to FCDA relocating the 33KV DC Airport Feeder and 132KV Kukwaba-Apo Transmission Line Towers along the Outer Southern Expressway,” the AEDC statement read. “We regret any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.”
Major Areas in Abuja Hit by Power Cuts
The areas listed for the outages cover a wide swath of the city and its outskirts. Among the neighborhoods set to be affected are the American International School, Christ Embassy Church, Spring Court, and parts of major commercial locations such as Coca Cola, Railway, and the Federal Medical Centre (FMC). Additionally, residential areas such as Gbazango, Kubwa, Bwari, Jahi, Jabi, Karu, and Nyanya are also expected to face power cuts. The full list also includes parts of Apo, Gudu, and Keffi, ensuring that nearly all zones in Abuja are touched by the disruptions.
This wide-ranging outage has already prompted concerns among business owners and residents. The planned outages are seen as a necessary step for the development of the city’s power infrastructure, but they also raise questions about the short-term inconvenience for the residents and businesses that depend on a steady power supply.
Implications for Abuja’s Residents and Businesses
Abuja, Nigeria’s political capital, is no stranger to power issues. However, with the city’s growing population and expansion of commercial and diplomatic zones, consistent electricity supply has become an increasing concern. The AEDC’s announcement has triggered a mixed response, with some residents expressing frustration over the timing and duration of the outages.
Ojayemi Samson shared his concern, stating, “Power outages in Abuja are nothing new, but two weeks of interruptions? That’s a huge inconvenience for people like me who work from home. The government needs to find ways to manage these disruptions better.”
The Relocation Project: Enhancing Abuja’s Infrastructure
The relocation of the 33KV DC Airport Feeder and the 132KV Kukwaba-Apo Transmission Line Towers is part of an ongoing effort by the FCDA to upgrade Abuja’s power distribution system. The city’s expanding urban population, coupled with rapid infrastructural development, has increased the demand for reliable electricity.
The project has been designed to ensure that the Outer Southern Expressway, one of Abuja’s main roads, is not hindered by the existing transmission towers, which is expected to enhance the overall mobility and development of the area.
The Role of AEDC in Managing Power Outages
As the main electricity distributor in Abuja, AEDC is tasked with managing these outages and ensuring that residents and businesses are kept informed. The company has urged customers to bear with the interruptions and promised to restore services as quickly as possible once the work is complete.
AEDC’s statement included a reminder of the importance of adhering to scheduled outages in order to avoid damage to power infrastructure. “We advise all residents in the affected areas to take the necessary precautions and ensure they manage their energy consumption during this period,” the statement added.
The company’s role extends beyond simply announcing outages; it also carries the responsibility of ensuring that the disruptions are minimized as much as possible, keeping communication lines open for updates and resolutions.
In the short term, residents are advised to prepare for the disruptions and follow any additional updates issued by AEDC. Business owners and large institutions have also been advised to make necessary adjustments to their operations during the outage period.
A Call for Patience and Understanding
With the major outage period just around the corner, residents of Abuja are urged to exercise patience as the city works to upgrade its power distribution network. While the project promises long-term improvements, the temporary inconvenience is something that will require collective understanding and support from all quarters.
As the AEDC works to minimize the impact of the outages, residents are hopeful that the disruptions will lead to better, more reliable power supply in the future — a critical aspect of the city’s ongoing development.
