- Residents of Lokoja in Kogi state are rejecting their upgrade to Band A by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).
- Local complaints at the AEDC office highlight dissatisfaction with the upgrade, as residents report no significant improvement in electricity hours compared to their neighbours on the Confluence feeder.
Residents of Gadumo, Lokoja, in Kogi State, are protesting the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company’s (AEDC) recent upgrade to Band A. They assert that the change is unjustified and has not improved their power supply. Despite AEDC’s claims that the upgrade would enhance electricity service, many locals are dissatisfied with the outcome.
According to sources, the Confluence feeder, which AEDC claims now serves parts of Gadumo, reportedly provides up to 20 hours of electricity daily. In contrast, areas previously not connected to this feeder have faced extended power outages. The upgrade has been accompanied by a tariff increase, leading residents to question the fairness of the new arrangement.
Residents of Gadumo have voiced their frustration, reporting that despite the tariff hike, their power supply has not improved. They argue that the supposed benefits of being moved to Band A are not materialising, with their electricity supply remaining inconsistent compared to their neighbours on the Confluence feeder.
Local consumers have lodged numerous complaints at the AEDC office near Aniebo Housing Estate, Gadumo. Prominent figures in the community, such as Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed and Mr Moses Christopher, expressed their scepticism about AEDC’s claims. Mohammed questioned, “How can AEDC expect us to believe we’ve been upgraded to Band A if we’re not receiving the promised improved hours of electricity supply?”
Christopher highlighted these sentiments, noting, “Our neighbours on the Confluence feeder have constant power, while we are left without reliable service despite paying more.” Residents are calling for AEDC to either address the issues and improve their electricity supply or revert them to their previous status before the upgrade.
The dissatisfaction highlights residents’ growing concern about the transparency and effectiveness of AEDC’s service changes. The community’s call for a review of their current status underscores the need for more transparent communication and tangible improvements in service delivery to justify the increased tariffs.