Residents of Jigawa State have expressed frustration and anger after widespread disconnections by the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) despite a federal directive to waive billing during recent blackouts caused by multiple national grid collapses.
The directive by the Minister of Power exempted customers affected by prolonged blackouts from bills for that period.
However, KEDCO officials reportedly ignored this in Jigawa, leading to mass disconnections.
A three-week blackout affected 17 northern states, including Jigawa, and the grid collapsed again just days after power was restored, plunging the region back into darkness.
Frustrated residents, like Aminu Danladi of Takur Site, voiced their discontent, stating, “We are shocked that KEDCO officials would be so heartless. How can they bill us for a period when there was no power?”
Similarly, Hajiya Fatima Mohammed from Gida-dubu remarked, “We appealed to the authorities, but nothing has been done.”
Business owners also reported significant losses. Helen Okon, a local bakery owner, lamented, “KEDCO’s actions are crippling our businesses.”
Residents have lodged complaints with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission and KEDCO’s regional office in Dutse but reported little relief.
A businessman, Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman, argued that while KEDCO needs to collect revenue, it should consider the financial struggles of the residents. “We’re already struggling; this additional burden is too much,” he said.
When contacted, KEDCO spokesperson Sani Bala Sani clarified that the disconnections were for unpaid September bills, not for the blackout period in October.
“We are not billing customers for the blackout period,” he emphasized, adding that adjustments for the blackout would be reflected in the October bills.
He also encouraged residents to bring their complaints to KEDCO directly, assuring that “our doors are open” for resolution.
As calls for intervention grow, residents urge both the Jigawa State Government and NERC to address the situation, expressing hope that relief measures will be implemented swiftly.
