Residents of Utako and parts of Wuye in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, have been thrown into darkness following a power outage blamed on a technical fault by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company AEDC. The disruption, which began over the weekend, has affected households, businesses, and essential services, triggering complaints and renewed concerns over the reliability of electricity supply in the nation’s capital.
In a public notice dated December 22, 2025, AEDC informed customers that the outage was caused by a fault on a feeder supplying electricity to Utako and sections of Wuye. According to the electricity distribution company, the fault disrupted normal power distribution to the affected areas, necessitating an emergency response by its technical team.
“We regret to inform you that the current power outage is due to a technical fault affecting the feeder serving your area,” AEDC said in the notice. “Our technical team has been deployed and is working tirelessly to restore power supply as quickly as possible.”
While acknowledging the inconvenience caused, AEDC did not provide a specific timeline for the restoration of electricity, a development that has left many residents uncertain about when normal supply will resume. The absence of a clear restoration schedule has heightened frustration among affected customers, particularly those whose livelihoods depend heavily on stable electricity.
Utako and Wuye are densely populated districts within Abuja, housing residential estates, commercial centres, hotels, eateries, and small scale businesses. Since the outage, residents say they have been forced to rely on alternative power sources such as generators and inverters, leading to increased costs and operational challenges.
Several residents of Utako expressed frustration over the disruption, noting that power outages have become increasingly frequent in recent months. A resident, who runs a small printing business in the area, said the blackout had stalled operations and resulted in financial losses.
“Without electricity, our business is almost completely shut down,” he said. “Fuel for generators is expensive, and not everyone can afford to run them for long hours. This kind of outage affects our income and daily survival.”
In parts of Wuye, residents reported similar experiences, with some lamenting the impact on domestic life, including food preservation, water supply, and personal comfort. Others raised concerns about security, noting that prolonged power outages often create opportunities for criminal activity, particularly at night.
AEDC, however, appealed for patience, assuring customers that efforts were underway to resolve the fault. The company said its engineers were working to identify and fix the problem to ensure the safe and sustainable restoration of power to the affected areas.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and appeal for your patience and understanding while repairs are ongoing,” the notice stated.
The distribution company also provided multiple contact channels for residents seeking updates or additional information. Customers were advised to reach AEDC through its WhatsApp lines on 08152141414 and 08152151515, or via the customer care line on 08039070070.
Despite the reassurance, the outage has reignited public debate about the state of electricity infrastructure in Abuja and across Nigeria. Energy analysts note that feeder faults are among the most common causes of power disruptions, often linked to ageing equipment, overload, or inadequate maintenance.
An energy sector analyst based in Abuja explained that feeders play a critical role in electricity distribution, as they transmit power from substations to various neighbourhoods. A fault on a single feeder can therefore cut off supply to multiple districts simultaneously.
“Many of these feeders are under significant stress due to increasing demand,” the analyst said. “Without regular upgrades and preventive maintenance, faults will continue to occur, leading to repeated outages.”
The situation in Utako and Wuye also highlights broader concerns about service delivery by distribution companies. Consumer advocacy groups have repeatedly called for improved communication, quicker response times, and greater transparency from electricity providers, particularly during outages.
Some residents criticised AEDC for failing to provide real time updates and a clear restoration timeline. They argued that timely information would help customers plan better and reduce frustration.
“Even if the power cannot be restored immediately, people deserve to know what is happening and when they can expect electricity,” a Wuye resident said. “Silence or vague statements only increase tension.”
AEDC has faced similar criticisms in the past, with customers across its franchise areas often complaining about prolonged outages and perceived gaps in customer engagement. The company, however, has consistently maintained that many of the challenges are rooted in infrastructure limitations, vandalism, and liquidity issues within the power sector.
As repair works continue, residents of Utako and Wuye remain hopeful that electricity will be restored soon. For now, many are bracing for extended hours or days without power, while urging AEDC to prioritise both speed and communication in resolving the fault.
The outage serves as yet another reminder of the fragility of Nigeria’s power supply system and the urgent need for sustained investment in electricity infrastructure. For affected Abuja residents, the immediate concern remains the restoration of power to enable a return to normal daily activities.
