Protest in Lokoja Over Power Supply Issues and Over-Billing

• Lokoja residents protest against AEDC, citing erratic power supply and opposing perceived unfair billing methods, affecting businesses in the area
• Protesters appeal to the Minister of Power and NERC, demanding intervention to address ongoing power disruptions and billing concerns

Residents of Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, expressed their discontent on the streets yesterday, protesting against what they perceive as erratic electricity supply from the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC). The demonstrators also voiced their opposition to the recent billing methods employed by the distribution company, claiming that the charges did not align with the actual electricity supplied.

Spokespersons for the protesters, Iliyasu Zakari and Ibrahim Shuaibu Nuhu, conveyed their grievances, highlighting over a month of persistent power outages in the area. They asserted that the AEDC’s lack of responsiveness prompted the community to take to the streets in protest.

The demonstrators called for an end to what they termed “outrageous billing” by the AEDC in Kogi State, asserting that it adversely affects businesses in Lokoja and its environs.

Protesters carried placards bearing messages such as “AEDC, give us light” and “We are tired of no supply of light in Geregu,” emphasizing their plea for consistent and reliable electricity. The demonstrators appealed to Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, to intervene and urged the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to address the ongoing power disruptions in Lokoja.

Iliyasu Zakari, a spokesman for the protesters, expressed disappointment with the excuses provided by the AEDC and criticized NERC for not taking action against the perceived over-billing. He called on the AEDC to address outstanding electricity bill issues in the area and provide more than four hours of daily power supply.

Following the peaceful demonstration, the protesters submitted a letter outlining their concerns to a management staff member of the AEDC, demanding a change in business practices from regional and area managers. They specifically called for a commitment to regular power supply within 24 hours in the Lokoja metropolis.

The Area Manager of AEDC in Lokoja, Emmanuel Ajibogun, acknowledged the peaceful conduct of the protesters and assured them that their grievances would be examined. The impact of power supply issues and over-billing extends to various sectors, including residents, iron fabricators, petty traders, restaurant operators, bars, and sachet water sellers in the affected area.