AGS NEWS – Kaduna Electric has cut off electricity to the Kaduna State Government House and other state facilities due to unpaid bills totaling N2.9 billion.

The Head of Corporate Communication, AbdulAzeez Abdullahi, stated on Friday that despite multiple attempts to resolve the issue with state officials, including a disconnection notice issued on July 21, the outstanding debt remained.

Additionally, the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) sealed the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company over a N600 million tax liability.

KADIRS Executive Chairman, Jerry Adams, explained this action was based on a court order, highlighting that KAEDCO had failed to meet its agreed payment commitments since the liability was established last year.

The unpaid electricity bills from January to July 2024 alone amounted to N1.16 billion, adding to the historical debt, bringing the total to N2.94 billion.

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Despite a recent payment of N256.9 million for electricity consumed between September and December 2023, the debt remains significantly high.

Kaduna Electric emphasized that the disconnection was a last resort after exhausting all other options.

The company stressed its need to meet financial obligations amidst broader challenges in the electricity sector and aims to ensure stability and sustainability in its operations.

Other states under the Kaduna Electric franchise, such as Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara, have maintained good standing with their payments.