Residents of Sango Ota, Konifewo, Iyana Ilogbo and adjoining communities in Ogun State have decried what they describe as persistent poor electricity supply despite being placed under the premium Band A electricity tariff category.
The affected areas fall under the service coverage of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), one of Nigeria’s electricity distribution companies (DisCos). Residents insist that months after their feeders were reclassified to Band A, which is the highest tariff band, power supply has remained unstable and unreliable.
Band A Tariff: Promise vs Reality
Under the electricity tariff structure approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Band A customers are expected to receive a minimum of 20 hours of electricity supply daily.
However, residents say the reality on ground falls far below that benchmark.
Many households report purchasing electricity at about ₦250 per unit, yet still experience prolonged outages, low voltage, and erratic supply.
Baba Femi, a resident who spoke with our correspondent, expressed deep frustration:
“We don’t know what we did to deserve this kind of punishment. We are paying the highest tariff, yet we are still living in darkness.”
He appealed to the Ogun State Government to intervene and compel IBEDC to deliver on its service obligations.
Businesses Hit Hard
Small business owners in Sango Ota say the inconsistent electricity supply is crippling their operations. Several entrepreneurs report spending heavily on petrol and diesel to power generators — effectively paying twice for electricity.
Artisans, cold-room operators, and cybercafé owners say their profit margins have significantly reduced since the Band A reclassification.
“The Federal Government introduced the Band A tariff structure in 2024 as part of Nigeria’s electricity sector reforms aimed at improving cost-reflective pricing and service delivery across distribution companies.”
Regulatory Questions Arise
Energy analysts note that under NERC guidelines, distribution companies are expected to meet the minimum hourly supply commitment attached to each tariff band. Failure to do so may attract regulatory sanctions or require compensation mechanisms.
Residents argue that if the 20-hour supply requirement is not being met, then the Band A tariff classification should be reviewed.
IBEDC Yet to Respond
Efforts to reach officials of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company for comments proved unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
As frustration continues to grow across Ogun State, affected consumers are calling for transparency, accountability, and immediate action to address what they describe as an unfair electricity billing situation.
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