Lagos Dep Gov, Hamzat, shouted when electricity bills jumped from N2.7M to N29M in one month

Deputy Governor of the State Lagos, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, on Monday raised fears of excessive electricity collection, revealed that the monthly bill for his official residence skyrocketed from N2.7 million in March to N29 million worrying in April.

Hamzat made revelations during the round table held on Victoria Island between the Government of the State of Lagos and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), because both parties signed a memorandum of understanding to increase access to electricity in rural communities in all lago.

Expressing frustration, Hamzat said his efforts to get prepaid meter deliberately frustrated by electricity distribution companies, even though they had paid one.

“I am a very good example of billing challenges,” he said. “Last month, my house – or rather the country’s house where I live – received an N2.7 million bill. This month, Eko Disco sent us a bill of N29 million. I sent it to the Commissioner for Energy. This is outrageous.”

The deputy governor further deplored the difficulties faced in switching to the meter billing system despite his willingness to comply. “I bought one meter because I did not want an estimated billing, but to convert and activate it has become a big challenge,” he added.

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Quoting a similar example from another part of the state, Hamzat tells how a resident in Caker Aguda issued an N2.8 million electricity bill, exceeding the annual lease of N2 million.

“Our people suffer from the estimated bill,” he said. “This becomes unbearable and cannot be justified, especially for struggling households.”

Apart from challenges, Hamzat praised Commissioners for energy and mineral resources, Engr. Biodun Ogunleye, because it facilitates the partnership of the country with Rea for Solarisse Cerved Communities.

In his remarks, Ogunleye said the agreement with Rea would open up new opportunities for many residents who had never experienced a stable electricity.

“Lagos took a brave step in ensuring that there was no community left in the dark,” Ogunleye said. “We create access to the power that can be relied upon for people who never think they will experience it in their lives. Rea has worked in many states, but if you are not in Lagos, you are not enough there.”

This new collaboration is expected to expand sustainable and affordable electricity to areas outside the network and less served, has the potential to reduce dependence on uncertain and expensive energy alternatives.

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