By Edwin Nwachukwu
Residents of Gowon Estate in the Egbeda area of Lagos State have condemned Ikeja Electric over prolonged power outages, accusing the electricity distribution company of subjecting the community to persistent darkness and worsening their economic hardship.
The aggrieved residents said the erratic electricity supply had disrupted businesses, damaged electrical appliances, caused food spoilage and imposed additional financial burdens on households already struggling with the high cost of living.
They described the situation as unacceptable and called on the Federal Government and relevant regulatory authorities to intervene urgently to address what they termed an unfair treatment of the community by Ikeja Electric.
Residents Allege Band A Classification Dispute
The residents alleged that the persistent blackout stemmed from the company’s insistence that the estate should move to Band A, an electricity tariff category associated with a minimum daily power supply commitment of 20 hours.
According to them, the company has failed to provide consistent electricity because residents have refused to accept the proposed classification.
They further alleged that some Ikeja Electric officials around Iponle Bus Stop, along the Egbeda-Idimu Road, told them that the community should expect poor electricity supply if it rejected the Band A category.
The residents described the alleged position as an attempt to pressure them into accepting a tariff arrangement they considered unjustified by the actual hours of electricity supplied to their homes and businesses.
However, they insisted that electricity consumers should not have to endure prolonged blackouts or face additional financial pressure over a disagreement about tariff classification.
Community Receives Two Hours of Electricity Daily
The residents said Ikeja Electric currently supplies the estate with an average of two hours of electricity or less per day, a situation they described as grossly inadequate for a densely populated residential community.
They complained that the supply pattern remained unpredictable, making it difficult for households and business owners to plan their daily activities.
According to the residents, there have been several occasions when the estate went without electricity for two to three consecutive days.
They said the uncertainty had forced many residents and traders to rely on petrol-powered generators, increasing their operating expenses at a time when fuel prices and the cost of living remain major concerns.
Also, they lamented that the prolonged outages had disrupted domestic activities, affected small businesses and exposed residents to additional expenses for alternative power sources.
Business Owners Count Their Losses
For small business owners, the persistent blackout has become a major threat to their livelihoods.
One resident, Mr Emmanuel Peters, who owns a shop in the estate, said the erratic power supply had affected both his business and his household.
Peters expressed frustration over what he described as the company’s failure to provide a satisfactory explanation for the inconsistent electricity supply.
“The situation is more annoying because the company has not given any reason for the inconsistent power outage,” he said.
He lamented that the absence of reliable electricity had made it increasingly difficult to conduct business efficiently, adding to the financial pressure on residents who depend on their daily earnings to survive.
Meanwhile, a fresh fish seller popularly known as Iya Edo said she had lost more than N120,000 because of the prolonged blackout.
She explained that she had recently stocked her shop with fresh fish, expecting to sell the products before they deteriorated. However, the unreliable electricity supply disrupted her business and put her stock at risk.
Her experience, the residents said, reflects the wider economic consequences of prolonged power outages for traders who deal in perishable goods.
They warned that without urgent intervention, more small business owners could suffer significant losses, while some might struggle to recover from the financial setbacks.
Residents Call on Tinubu, Regulators to Intervene
Frustrated by the situation, the residents appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure that Ikeja Electric provides reliable electricity to the community.
They also called on the Federal Government to review the company’s operating licence, including possible revocation if the appropriate authorities establish grounds for such action.
The residents maintained that electricity distribution companies must remain accountable to the consumers they serve and should not impose tariff categories without meeting the applicable service requirements.
They urged the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to investigate their complaints, verify the actual hours of electricity supplied to the estate and determine whether the company’s conduct complies with the applicable electricity regulations.
The residents also called for a transparent explanation of the power supply arrangement affecting Gowon Estate and demanded a clear timetable for restoring reliable electricity.
Demand for Fair Treatment and Reliable Electricity
The residents insisted that their demand was not merely about lower electricity bills but also about receiving the level of service for which they pay.
They argued that consumers should not face prolonged power outages while being pressured to accept a higher tariff category without corresponding improvements in supply.
They therefore urged Ikeja Electric to engage directly with community representatives, explain the reasons for the persistent outages and work towards a lasting solution.
For residents and business owners in Gowon Estate, reliable electricity remains essential for household activities, business survival and the protection of goods and electrical equipment.
They warned that continued inaction would deepen public frustration and further erode confidence in the electricity distribution system.
As the community awaits a response, residents want Ikeja Electric and the relevant authorities to address their complaints and ensure that Gowon Estate receives fair treatment and a more dependable power supply.
