… In Itire-Ikate, Ijesha, Odo Eran, Coker, and Aguda Communities

The Coordinator, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Itire-Ikate Local Branch, Comr. Amb. Oshodi John Ayodele, has raised serious concerns over the persistent challenges faced by residents of Itire-Ikate, Ijesha, Odo Eran, Coker, and Aguda communities due to the reclassification of their electricity tariff band by the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC).

Since the reclassification of these communities from Band B to Band A under the Service-Based Tariff (SBT) framework, residents have experienced significant increases in electricity tariffs, which have further strained households already grappling with inflation and the rising cost of living. It is essential to emphasize that these communities are predominantly low-income areas, unlike affluent or industrial neighborhoods such as Ikoyi, Lekki, or GRA, where residents or businesses may be better positioned to absorb such financial impacts.

Furthermore, the NYCN Itire-Ikate Branch finds it deeply appalling and unacceptable that some EKEDC technical staff allegedly demand monetary contributions from residents to fix electrical faults, including issues with transformers and other infrastructural challenges. This practice is highly unethical, unprofessional, and an affront to the trust and goodwill of paying customers. Residents already bear the cost of electricity tariffs, which should cover routine maintenance and repairs. Asking them to contribute additional funds for services that should be the sole responsibility of EKEDC is not only exploitative but also deeply unfair.

We use this medium to call on EKEDC to take drastic measures to address these unethical practices by its staff. Clear accountability mechanisms must be put in place to ensure that customers are not subjected to such exploitative demands. Residents pay for electricity services and expect the company to fulfill its obligations without imposing further financial burdens.

In light of these pressing issues, the NYCN Itire-Ikate Branch reiterates its demands:

1. Revert the Communities to Band B: Given the current service levels, the affected communities must be restored to Band B, which aligns with their electricity supply hours.
2. Refund Excess Charges: Refund residents for the overcharges incurred since the reclassification.
3. Improve Service Delivery: Invest in infrastructure to ensure reliable and consistent power supply in accordance with the SBT framework.
4. Address Billing Inconsistencies: Investigate and resolve irregularities in the billing system, as residents continue to report discrepancies in the number of units received for the same payment amounts.
5. Enforce Professional Standards: Investigate and eliminate the unethical practice of staff demanding monetary contributions from residents for maintenance and repairs.

The NYCN Itire-Ikate Branch has already engaged EKEDC formally through an email, escalated the matter to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and sought the intervention of the Member of the House of Representatives (MHR) representing the constituency. However, residents and stakeholders are growing increasingly frustrated, as no tangible actions have been taken to address these concerns.

It is imperative that EKEDC acknowledges its responsibility to deliver on its mandate of fair service delivery. Residents deserve a system that upholds transparency, accountability, and professionalism, rather than one that exacerbates their financial and emotional strain.

Should EKEDC fail to act promptly and decisively, the NYCN Itire-Ikate Branch will not hesitate to explore further legal and regulatory actions to protect the rights and interests of the affected communities.