Lagos Deputy Governor Slams N29 Million Electricity Bill, Calls for Urgent Power Sector Reforms

 Lagos Deputy Governor Slams N29 Million Electricity Bill, Calls for Urgent Power Sector Reforms

Lagos State's Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has brought to light a staggering increase in his official residence's electricity bill—from ₦2.7 million in March to an astonishing ₦29 million in April. This revelation has intensified scrutiny of Nigeria's electricity billing practices and the challenges consumers face with estimated billing systems.

A Startling Surge in Electricity Charges

During a roundtable discussion between the Lagos State Government and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in Victoria Island, Dr. Hamzat expressed his frustration over the exorbitant bill issued by the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC). He highlighted the broader issue of estimated billing, stating, "Last month, in my house, or the state house that I live in, the bill was ₦2.7 million. This month, Eko DisCo sent us a bill of ₦29 million. It's crazy." 

Despite procuring a prepaid meter to avoid such inflated bills, Dr. Hamzat revealed that converting to the new system has been fraught with difficulties. He lamented, "I actually procured a meter... but to convert it is wahala," underscoring the bureaucratic hurdles that hinder consumers from accessing fair billing methods. 

The Broader Impact on Lagos Residents

Dr. Hamzat's experience is not isolated. He recounted an incident in the Coker Aguda area of Surulere, where a resident received a ₦2.8 million electricity bill—surpassing his annual rent of ₦2 million. Such instances highlight the widespread challenges faced by Lagosians under the current billing system. 

The roundtable event also marked the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Lagos State Government and the REA to promote renewable energy solutions, particularly solar power, in underserved communities. Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, emphasized the initiative's goal to provide stable and affordable electricity, stating that opportunities are opening up for those who never thought they would experience constant and stable electricity.

The Need for Comprehensive Power Sector Reform

Dr. Hamzat's revelations have reignited calls for comprehensive reforms in Nigeria's power sector. The challenges with estimated billing and the difficulties in accessing prepaid meters underscore the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure transparency, fairness, and efficiency in electricity distribution.

The Deputy Governor's disclosure serves as a stark reminder of the pressing issues within Nigeria's electricity sector. As the government explores renewable energy solutions and seeks to address billing inefficiencies, the hope is for a more equitable and reliable power supply system for all Nigerians.