Senator Okorie Ani Calls on FG to Clear N800 Billion Power Sector Debt to Boost Electricity

Senator Professor Anthony Okorie Ani, representing Ebonyi South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has called on the Federal Government to clear the N800 billion debt owed to electricity generation companies to help revitalize the power sector. He made the appeal while speaking to reporters after a joint retreat held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, between the Senate Committee on Power and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.

Senator Ani explained that the retreat aimed to discuss urgent reforms and strategies to ensure the financial and operational stability of the electricity sector. He urged all relevant stakeholders to come together and find lasting solutions to the sector’s ongoing challenges.

It is reported that the Nigerian government currently owes electricity generation companies about N200 billion monthly, accumulating to N800 billion since the start of 2025. This is on top of an existing debt of approximately N3 trillion, largely driven by insufficient government subsidies.

He emphasized that settling these debts would mark a significant turning point for both Generation Companies (GenCos) and Distribution Companies (DisCos). Senator Ani appealed for increased collaboration among experts within Nigeria’s power sector to drive meaningful progress.