Security agencies owe electricity company over N1bn

The Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) has said that the military and paramilitary agencies owe the company a backlog of over one billion naira.

The JEDC Executive Director, Marketing, Mr Jibo Verr, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jos on Wednesday.

"You will agree with me that if this huge sum is paid, it will go a long way to help us settle some things that will aid in providing more reliable and better services for our teaming customers.’’

He said the company usually handles debt recovery from military and paramilitary agencies with some sort leverage because they also provide essential services and guard their facilities.

"The way we handle bill payments from government-related agencies, especially those providing essential services like the security agencies is entirely different from other customers."

He, however, decried the huge debt, which he said, posed a serious financial challenge to the smooth and effective running of the company.

"However, government has asked us not to disconnect any of the security agencies and have promised to offset the debt.

"So, we have compiled the whole debt and have presented it to government as we wait further actions,’’ he said.

The executive director appealed to all government agencies and other customers to ensure prompt payment of bills as that would in turn ensure adequate service delivery.