Aba Residents Protest Against High Electricity Bills, Demand Immediate Action

Angry residents of Aba took to the streets in a massive protest against the skyrocketing electricity tariffs imposed by Aba Power. The demonstrators, comprising traders, artisans, retirees, and civil servants, stormed the premises of Enyimba TV and Radio Ltd., demanding urgent government intervention.

According to Godson Ikechukwu Osuagwu, who led the protest under the umbrella of the Aba Consumers Forum, electricity bills have surged by nearly 500% in just four years, making it nearly impossible for residents to cope. He lamented that despite the exorbitant charges, power supply remains erratic and unreliable.

"The latest increment has pushed our bills to outrageous amounts—₦80,000, ₦90,000, and even ₦105,000 in some areas! How does a civil servant earning less than ₦70,000 pay a ₦103,000 light bill? Aba Power is exploiting us, and we won’t take it anymore," Osuagwu declared.

Carrying placards with bold messages like “Stop the Exploitation!”, “We Need Fair Billing!”, and “Electricity is a Right, Not a Luxury!”, the protesters called on the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Abia State Government to intervene immediately. They insisted that Aba Power must review its tariffs and improve service delivery to reflect the realities of the people.

Security operatives were on the ground to prevent any breakdown of law and order, but the protesters vowed to sustain their demonstration until their demands are met.