In Nigeria's ongoing struggle to stabilize its power sector, electricity distribution companies (DisCos) have come under fire for practices that place the burden of infrastructure procurement on communities. Despite clear directives from the Federal Government, numerous communities continue to finance and install essential power equipment, raising concerns about regulatory compliance and consumer rights.
Ministerial Directive on Infrastructure Responsibility
In January 2024, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu emphasized that the provision of transformers, cables, and poles is the sole responsibility of DisCos. He stated, "A situation where communities buy transformers, cables, and poles must stop," highlighting the illegality of such practices and the need for DisCos to fulfill their obligations.
Community Experiences Highlight Ongoing Challenges
Despite these directives, communities across Nigeria report continued demands from DisCos to fund infrastructure:
Here is a list of Ibadan communities that have experienced significant power supply challenges, including transformer issues and prolonged outages, based on verified reports:
1. Iwo Road–Lalupon Axis
Over 80 communities in this area have endured more than a decade without reliable electricity. Despite multiple protests and appeals, residents allege that the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has been unresponsive, leading to business closures and economic hardships.
2. Uncle Joe, Mokola
Residents of this commercial hub reported a blackout after an IBEDC official allegedly demanded ₦2 million to repair a faulty transformer. The outage severely impacted local businesses, with some spending up to ₦40,000 daily on diesel for generators.
3. Felele
The Felele community suffered a prolonged blackout following the theft of transformer cables. Despite reporting the incident, residents claim IBEDC has not restored power, leaving over 25 homes and businesses in darkness.
4. Ajibode and Laaniba
These communities experienced power cuts due to alleged power theft and racketeering. Residents accused IBEDC of unfair treatment, including the sale of faulty meters and unwarranted disconnections.
5. Oluyole Estate Extension and Surrounding Areas
Communities such as Progressive Estate, Heritage Estate, Oorelope Community, Ore-Ofe Estate, and Ire-Akari Community have complained about erratic power supply. Despite being on the same feeder as better-served neighborhoods, these areas receive less than two hours of electricity daily.
6. Oke-Ado, Veterinary Mokola, Idikan Junction, Odo-Oba Elere
These areas were listed as beneficiaries of transformer installations. However, investigations revealed that some transformers remain unconnected, and residents continue to experience power outages.
7. Sango-Alaro, Polytechnic Road, Ibadan.
Recently, their Transformer broke down and now the community are still trying to figure out how to fix it when IBEDC gave them a bill of N3,000,000
These instances highlight systemic issues within the power distribution framework in Ibadan, emphasizing the need for regulatory intervention and improved accountability from service providers.
Other States
- *Ogun State:* Residents of Ajayi Egan in Ado/Odo-Ota Local Government Area funded their electrification project without IBEDC's intervention in 2017. They were later coerced into signing over the transformer to IBEDC and faced exorbitant bills despite inconsistent power supply.
- *Ondo State:* Eighteen sub-urban areas in Ondo community have remained without electricity despite spending millions on transformers and poles, with BEDC failing to provide consistent power supply.
- *Abuja and Nasarawa States:* Communities under Abuja DisCo have raised funds to purchase transformers and electrical materials, with residents paying additional fees for maintenance and facing persistent overbilling.
Regulatory Framework and Consumer Rights
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) stipulates that DisCos are responsible for providing and maintaining power infrastructure. Consumers are not obligated to fund these essentials, and any such demands are deemed illegal.
Call for Enforcement and Accountability
The persistence of these practices underscores the need for stringent enforcement of regulations and accountability measures for DisCos. Communities are urged to report such infractions to NERC and seek redress to ensure their rights are protected.
Note: Communities experiencing undue demands from DisCos for infrastructure funding should report to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) via their official channels to seek redress and ensure compliance with established regulations.
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