Residents of Ilasamaja, a bustling community in Mushin Local Government Area of Lagos State, are voicing their strong opposition to the Eko Electricity Distribution Company’s (EKDC) proposed increase in their electricity tariff.
The EKDC plans to move residents from Band B to Band A, which would significantly raise their electricity bills.
In a petition addressed to the Managing Director of EKDC, community leaders made it clear: they will fight this decision with all legal means available.
The petition was also sent to key authorities, including the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Lagos State House of Assembly, and the Commissioner of Police.
“We reject this plan and will resist it with everything at our disposal,” the petition states.
The leaders of the community development associations emphasised their determination to protect their residents from what they described as a “sinister plan” to impose higher tariffs.
“We are a peace-loving community,” they added. “But we will not take our peaceful disposition as cowardice.”
The residents are particularly upset because they believe they were unfairly placed on Band B without proper consultation.
They argue that many have been charged according to Band A’s higher rates despite being told they were in a lower band.
“Ever since you forcefully and wickedly put us on Band B, many of the residents have been billed under Band A’s system,” the petition highlights.
Despite numerous complaints and protests, residents claim that EKDC has ignored their concerns.
“We cannot swallow the evil and wicked pills of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund,” the petition continued, reflecting widespread anger over perceived exploitation.
Residents of Ilasamaja are primarily low-income earners, including petty traders and retirees.
They are struggling to make ends meet and fear that the proposed tariff hike will only worsen their situation.
“The last thing they need is an exploitative electricity tariff that would worsen their living conditions,” the petition states, highlighting the community’s economic challenges.
The leaders also emphasised that they would not hesitate to take legal action if EKDC insists on moving forward with the tariff change.
The economic situation in Nigeria has made life difficult for many citizens.
With inflation rising and job opportunities dwindling, many residents feel that additional burdens are unfair.
With the petition filed and community support growing, residents are prepared for a prolonged battle against what they perceive as an unjust action by EKDC.
For now, they are calling on everyone to support their cause and join them in demanding fair treatment from the electricity provider.
