-
According to Eyo, the problem with the sector is politics
- The people believe in “free light”
The former Commissioner for Market Rates and Competition, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Eyo Ekpo has said Nigerians must understand that electricity is a service. He made this known when speaking with TV host, Fummi Iyanda. Other guests at the program included Adetayo Adegbenle (Power Up Nigeria) and Olawale Augstine Olalusi (Community Development Association).
Speaking on the spike in electrocutions in the industry, Mr. Adegbenle attributed it to the absence of industry vetting standards. He said, “What we have under privatisation on these days is that you need a Licensed Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria (LECAN) certificate to handle wirings – which you can get from anywhere. Nobody vets these things”. Mr. Adegbenle further alleged that the distribution companies only came with the mindset of making money without putting in the work.
Mr. Olalusi on the other hand alleges the illegal connections are carried out by the staff of these DisCos who then turn around to bill the communities excessive amounts in arrears. He said his estate has been without electricity for more than a year. He said, “They promised severally that they would fix the transformer. Instead, they removed it. Since January 2020, we haven’t had a transformer. Now, they are making absurd claims that the community is owing ₦42 million in unpaid electricity bills and we have to pay it off before they bring the transformer back. How can we owe that much when we haven’t had electricity in a year?”
Eyo Ekpo speaking on the issues raised by the other guests said urged citizens to look at the power sector as a service provider and they must be willing to pay for the service.