Abia Governor Steps In As Residents Protest Electricity Tariff Hike

Residents of Umuahia, Abia State, on Tuesday took to the streets to protest the recent hike in electricity tariffs, marching down to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) office and the Government House.

“We were paying N5000 before it was increased to N15000, but because we are now enjoying steady light, we agreed and made the payment. Now they’ve taken it to N50000, and some were given N80000 as an electricity bill.

“While in Nigeria, the minimum wage is N70,000, how are we going to feed our families and pay for house rents?” a protester named Emeka lamented.

Other protesters also made similar complaints, pleading that the state government should come to their rescue.

“We can’t pay such amounts of money only for electricity. Dr Alex Otti is a good governor, and we know that he is going to look into this matter; that is why we have come here today to express ourselves, and we believe he won’t neglect us,” Mrs Nkechi said.

In an interview with journalists, the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) explained the reason behind the recent increment in electricity tariff for its customers in Abia State.

According to Festus Iwuala, Head of Commercial at EEDC Abia State, the increment is a result of the recent approval of the feeder that supplies the affected areas being upgraded to Band A.

“The feeder, which was previously billed under Band C and Band B, was upgraded to Band A on September 1, 2025, after meeting the requirements set by the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC),” he said.

Iwuala stated that the EEDC followed due process and obtained approval from NERC before implementing the new tariff.

Iwuala also explained that the EEDC has made provisions for customers to access prepaid meters through the National Mass Metering Platform (NMMP) and the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) programme.

“Customers should take advantage of the NMMP and MAP programmes to avoid estimated bills and ensure accurate metering,” he said.

The EEDC official noted that the company has not applied the cap unit to any of the customers’ bills but will reconcile bills for customers who raise concerns about the application of the cap unit.

Iwuala emphasised that the EEDC is a regulated business and that the tariff increase is not within its control.

The increment has sparked complaints from customers, who are seeking relief from the EEDC. Iwuala urged customers to understand the situation and work with the company to find a solution.

He also emphasised the importance of metering and encouraged customers to take advantage of the available metering options.

The Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, intervened and addressed the protesters.

The Commissioner thanked the protesters for conducting themselves peacefully and assured them that their complaints would be taken seriously.

The commissioner acknowledged that electricity supply has improved in the state, but emphasised the need for fair billing and metering.

“What is very, very painful and demanding of our people is that they should be fairly billed. That means that people want to pay for what they use, what they consume,” he stated.

The commissioner noted that the state government is working towards taking full charge of the electricity market in Abia State and establishing its own regulatory authority.

“We will take full charge of this electricity market in Abia State. And we will make it to what will work for our people, for Abia,” he said.

The protesters were requested to submit their complaints in writing, along with supporting documents, so that the matter could be treated officially.

The Commissioner promised to take up the issue with the Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) and work towards a resolution.

“Come with facts. Then we can start the action. I cannot tell you now. Let me see. Put it together. That is the way to do it. Put your stuff together. And write it. Put your facts. Then we call them to the table,” he advised.

THE WHISTLER also reports that the government has deployed over 60,000 meters in Abia State and is working towards ensuring that all customers are metered to enable them to manage their electricity consumption efficiently.