BY ISAN ISIOMA CARLOS
A crucial stakeholders’ meeting between staff of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), Agbor Zonal Office and community leaders in Ika Land has brought to light the growing frustration of residents over persistent power outages and what many described as unjust billing practices in the area.
The meeting was chaired by a community leader and Chairman of Ika Landlords and Landladies Association, Elder Vincent Arimokwu, who formally briefed officials of the power distribution company that the residents would not comply with the payment of light bills following the challenges faced by them as a result of the lack of power supply by the company.
Representing the electricity distribution authority were the District Manager, Mr Fayese Amos, and Customer Care Officer, Engr. Eze.
Addressing the gathering, the leadership of the Ika Landlords Association outlined series of pressing concerns affecting residents across the region. Central among those issues, he said, was the severe issue of poor electricity supply, which, he said, has disrupted the daily business activities and economic lives of the residents.
The association strongly echoed the growing public sentiment captured in the slogan #NoLightNoBill, insisting that customers should not be billed for electricity they do not receive.
Mr Arimokwu further highlighted the several grievances of the association, which he said include the continuous issuance of estimated bills despite prolonged outages of power supply, and constant disconnection of electricity cables by officials, which often led to confrontation and tensions between residents and the staff of BEDC.
An alarming incident was cited along Abraka Road in Boji Boji Owa when a confrontation occurred between residents and the electricity distribution company, which almost escalated to a loss of life, an intervention many attributed to a divine act of God.
Meanwhile, the need for a formal engagement in an agreement was raised in the meeting as a move toward accountability and dialogue; both parties have further documented the concerns raised during the meeting.
The leadership of the electricity company formally acknowledged the receipt of the complaints by signing on the association’s letterhead document, alongside representatives of the Ika Landlords Association.
Responding to the issues, BEDC District Manager, Mr Fayese Amos assured residents that the company remained committed to its core responsibilities of electricity supply and revenue collection.
He emphasised that the current challenges facing the company were numerous, which, according to him, had continued to cause limitations beyond their immediate control.
According to him, “The volume of electricity allocated to the Ika district has drastically declined in recent months.” He disclosed that before December, the district received between 17 and 18 megawatts of power supply, but presently, he said that the allocation has dropped to less than 3 megawatts, which he said has severely affected the distribution capacity.
“This shortage is the root of the problem,” he explained, noting that without adequate supply from upstream providers, consistent distribution to consumers becomes impossible.
The meeting ended with a mutual understanding of the challenges and a renewed commitment to dialogue. Community leaders urged the electricity company to improve transparency and communication, while also advocating for fair billing practices during periods of low or no supply.
Residents were further encouraged to remain calm and avoid confrontations, even as efforts were being made to address the power crisis.
