‘Lagosians are suffering under crazy electricity tariffs’ — Deputy Governor Hamzat
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, has raised alarm over what he described as outrageous electricity billing practices by power distribution companies, revealing that his electricity bill jumped by a staggering 974% in one month.
Speaking during a roundtable event between the Lagos State Government and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in Victoria Island on Monday, Hamzat disclosed that his monthly electricity bill surged from N2.7 million in March to N29 million in April, despite efforts to install a prepaid meter.
“I bought a meter to avoid estimated billing, but converting to it has been a nightmare,” Hamzat lamented, describing the charges by the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) as “crazy bills.” He said he had reported the matter to the Commissioner for Energy, Biodun Ogunleye.
The deputy governor, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the event, also narrated similar experiences from residents of Coker Aguda in Surulere.
“A man whose annual rent is N2 million was served an electricity bill of N2.8 million. How does that make sense?” he asked.
Hamzat warned that estimated billing was making life difficult for ordinary Lagosians, many of whom already face economic hardship.
Meanwhile, the state government has signed a memorandum of understanding with the REA to improve rural electrification across Lagos. Commissioner Ogunleye said the partnership would bring lasting solutions to power supply challenges, especially in underserved communities.
He emphasized the state’s commitment to delivering reliable electricity, stating, “Opportunities are now opening up for people who never thought they’d live in areas with constant and stable power.”
