LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Ife North Power Outage And The Rights Of All Electricity Consumers

IN April 2021, the World Bank reported Nigeria as the country with the least access to electricity in the world after displacing the Democratic Republic of Congo. The lack of stable electricity has remained a major constraint for the development of our country and the wellbeing of the people and their business.

The perennial Power outage in my constituency and many parts of Nigeria is a gross violation of the rights of our people to enjoy quality and regular power supply. In line with the Electric Power Sector Reform Act, 2005 that provides for the establishment of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), it is unlawful and unacceptable for IBEDC to always expect Nigerians to solve electricity challenges through self help whenever issues arise. 

The electricity customer right in Nigeria clearly states that: “It is not the responsibility of electricity customer or community to buy, replace or repair electricity transformers, poles and related equipment used in the supply of electricity.”

I insisted on the immediate resolution of the months of power outage in my constituency as the only acceptable solution and the IBEDC gave commitment to prompt resolution and appearance before the House of Assembly on Wednesday, 27th of October, with their action plan and timeline for the final resolution of this lingering issue. 

Electricity distribution is a private enterprise in Nigeria and our distribution companies must be alive to their responsibilities or give way for other investors who have both the technical and financial capacity for better services.

I want to sincerely commend all the major stakeholders in my constituency for their efforts, perseverance and high level of civility in the face of this violation.

• Tunde Lekan Olatunji, Office of the Chief Whip, State of Osun House of Assembly.