FCT Consumers Demand Scrapping Of DisCos Over Poor Service
Growing Frustration Over Power Supply
ELECTRICITY consumers in parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have called on the Federal Government to scrap the Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos), citing persistent poor service delivery and alleged exploitation.
The residents, who spoke in separate interviews in Abuja on Tuesday, expressed frustration over what they described as the non-performance of the distribution firms established after the privatisation of the power sector.
They urged the government to either dissolve the companies or enforce stricter oversight to address the ongoing challenges in electricity supply.
Complaints Over Infrastructure Costs
Mr. Kinsley Edobor, a civil servant residing in Lugbe, said some DisCos were performing below expectations despite regular bill payments by consumers.
He lamented a situation where residents are asked to contribute money to repair faulty transformers.
“What is the duty of the DisCos if we are to pay to repair transformers when we are already paying our electricity bills?” he asked.
Edobor appealed to the government to scrap the companies and introduce alternative measures to ensure steady electricity supply.
Similarly, Mrs. Ngozi Obi, a businesswoman also in Lugbe, alleged that many DisCos fail to invest in infrastructure upgrades to improve service delivery.
“If there is a problem in an area, consumers are asked to contribute to fix it. We are not happy with how they operate,” she said, urging the government to either scrap them or compel them to meet their obligations.
Allegations of Overbilling
In Kuje, Mr. Solomon Umokoro, a welder, accused some DisCos of collecting payments without delivering commensurate services.
“We pay bills, but we are not enjoying the services required,” he said, calling on the government to take over electricity distribution if necessary.
Mrs. Moji Adesola echoed similar sentiments, arguing that removing the distribution companies could lead to improved service and better value for consumers.
Mr. Thomas Oche, who resides in Area 1, Abuja, alleged that overbilling remains a major concern.
“Most of the DisCos overbill consumers without providing the expected services. It is better we do away with them and find other ways to provide stable power,” he said.
Role of DisCos
A total of 11 distribution companies were created following the privatisation of Nigeria’s power sector. They are responsible for network maintenance, safety, and upgrading distribution infrastructure, including lines, transformers, and substations, to ensure reliable power delivery.
However, many consumers in the FCT believe the companies have fallen short of these responsibilities, fueling renewed calls for reform or outright scrapping of the firms.
