The Federal Government has begun discussions with electricity distribution companies on plans to establish dedicated Energy Zones that could provide 24-hour electricity to homes, businesses and industries in major demand centres.

The proposed zones will cover the Lagos axis, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridor and Enugu-Port Harcourt corridor.

The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, disclosed this during a closed-door meeting with representatives of selected electricity distribution companies.

According to a statement by his media aide, Adeola Adelabu, the initiative is aimed at addressing distribution bottlenecks and ensuring that available electricity generated and transmitted through the national grid reaches consumers more reliably, particularly in areas with strong commercial and industrial activity.

Tegbe said the challenges in the power sector extend beyond generation and transmission to the ability of distribution companies to take up and deliver available electricity.

“The constraint on the sector is not limited to generation and transmission but includes how much power is taken up and delivered at the distribution end,” he said.

The minister said the proposed Energy Zones would help close the distribution gap, stimulate commercial and industrial activity, and improve the revenue and collection performance of electricity distribution companies.

He also reiterated the government’s plan to expand power infrastructure in high-demand areas, stressing that electricity supply capacity must grow alongside Nigeria’s expanding economy.

The proposed zones are expected to prioritise locations where reliable electricity is critical to manufacturing, businesses and other productive activities.

However, the government has not yet announced a timeline for implementation, the expected electricity capacity or the specific infrastructure projects required to achieve round-the-clock supply.

Representatives of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, Ikeja Electric, Eko Power, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company and Sahara Energy Group attended the meeting.

The government said the engagement forms part of Tegbe’s phased strategy to tackle longstanding challenges in the power sector while supporting industrialisation, investment and job creation.