Residents Protest High Electricity Tariffs, Accuse Aba Power Of Exploitation
Residents of Aba, under the aegis of the Aba Consumers Forum, staged a massive protest on Tuesday against what they described as an unbearable increase in electricity tariffs by Aba Power Ltd.
The protesters, comprising traders, artisans, retirees, and civil servants, stormed the premises of Enyimba TV and Radio Limited, seeking media attention to highlight their grievances and call for urgent government intervention.
Leading the demonstration, Godson Osuagwu decried the sharp rise in electricity bills, stating that charges had increased by nearly 500% over four years, making it difficult for residents to cope.
“The most unfortunate is the latest increment that pushed our bills to ₦80,000, ₦90,000, and even ₦105,000 in some areas. How can a civil servant earning less than ₦70,000 afford a bill of ₦103,000? Aba Power generates, distributes, and sells electricity, so why should their charges be this high?” he questioned.
The protesters also accused the company of deliberately refusing to provide prepaid meters, leaving many residents stuck on estimated billing, which they described as exploitative.
“We have requested prepaid meters, but they have refused to provide them. The few people who have them say their credit vanishes within days. How can ₦40,000 worth of electricity units finish so quickly?” one protester lamented.
Beyond household struggles, the rising cost of electricity is crippling businesses in Aba, a city known for its thriving commercial and industrial activities. Manufacturers, shoemakers, and artisans say the high tariffs are making their operations unsustainable, with some pointing out that locally made products now cost more than imported alternatives due to electricity expenses.
Anselm Chinedu, another protester, called on Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, to intervene in the matter. “The governor promised that Abians will breathe fresh air, but is this the fresh air he meant? We know he is working hard, but if Aba Power is allowed to continue this way, all his good work will be in vain,” he warned.
The protest remained peaceful, but frustration was evident as many protesters carried copies of their electricity bills as evidence of what they described as “daylight extortion.” Some residents even demanded that Aba Power withdraw its services if the tariffs remain unchanged.
“If they cannot give us fair billing, let them take their light! We would rather live in darkness than be forced to pay these crazy bills,” a protester declared.
The protesters vowed to sustain their demonstrations until their voices are heard and their demands addressed.
Residents Protest High Electricity Tariffs, Accuse Aba Power Of Exploitation is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
