The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), on Wednesday, said it was compelled to disconnect the University College Hospital (UCH) over the hospital’s significant indebtedness.

It would be recalled that the power company had disconnected the health facility on many occasions, the last one was done a couple of weeks ago.

In a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan by the IBEDC spokesperson, Busolami Tunwase, the power company expressed its sympathy to the teaching hospital.

Tunwase said: “The company expressed sympathy for the hospital’s situation but confirmed that the disconnection was due to UCH’s significant outstanding debt

“IBEDC was compelled to take this course of action as we are faced with increasing pressure to meet our financial obligations to the market”.

However, IBEDC reiterated its commitment to working with UCH and remains open to discussions on a flexible payment arrangement that could be mutually agreed upon by both parties.

She explained that the company is expected to meet 100 per cent of its market obligations, and the outstanding debt from major customers like UCH directly contributes to the liquidity crisis within Nigeria’s power sector.

She added: “IBEDC continues to advocate for timely payments from all customers, stressing that a stable and reliable power supply is dependent on the financial health of the sector.

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“The company called on UCH and all other customers to settle their arrears to help resolve the ongoing challenges facing Nigeria’s electricity distribution system.”