Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has directed the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to publish the names of debtors in Edo.

Adelabu gave the directive when he met with the management of BEDC during an inspection tour of power projects in Benin, the Edo state capital.

“There is nothing wrong with publishing the names of the company’s debtors because electricity supply is not free,” the minister said.

“The BEDC needs money to remain in business and serve its customers well. I will not stop you from disconnecting organizations or individuals owing.

“I am also not going to stop you from publishing the names of the debtors. Nigerians need to know the truth.

“If you want to publish the names of those owing, you can go ahead and do so.”

Adelabu condemned the high energy theft rate in the country and pledged to sponsor bills at the National Assembly to combat it.

He also assured President Bola Tinubu of his commitment to improving power supply and promised to complete all existing projects before awarding new ones.

“Meter bypassing is making this company to run at a loss,” the minister said.

Deolu Ijose, managing director of BEDC, said meter bypassing is a significant challenge for the company.

Ijose, however, said the company had connected many communities to the national grid and provided feeders in its franchise states.

The minister recently revealled plans by the Tinubu administration to remove electricity subsidy being enjoyed by millions of Nigerians.