From Ahmed Muhammed Danasabe, Lokoja
Residents of Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, have raised fresh concerns over worsening electricity supply, lamenting high tariffs and frequent blackouts by the Kogi Electricity Distribution Limited (KEDL).
The residents said the persistent outages, coupled with rising electricity bills, are placing heavy strain on households, businesses and public institutions across the city.
Many households complained that electricity charges now consume a significant portion of their monthly income despite irregular power supply. They noted that the situation has become more difficult amid the current economic hardship.
Small and medium-scale business owners said erratic electricity supply has increased their operating costs, forcing them to rely heavily on generators, which has further reduced profit margins.
At major markets in Lokoja, traders who depend on refrigeration said they struggle to preserve perishable goods, while artisans using electric tools reported declining productivity due to prolonged power outages.
Public institutions are also affected. Residents said hospitals, schools and government offices regularly experience power disruptions that hinder service delivery. Students, in particular, were said to face difficulties studying in conducive environments, affecting their academic performance.
Several residents questioned the justification for paying what they described as “premium tariffs” for unstable electricity supply, describing the billing system as unfair and opaque.
Some stakeholders called on KEDL to urgently reform its operations, beginning with improved transparency in billing. They urged the company to provide clearer explanations for tariff charges and engage consumers through town hall meetings and customer feedback platforms.
Experts also identified poor infrastructure as a major challenge, noting that many areas of Lokoja still rely on ageing power lines and obsolete equipment prone to frequent faults.
They recommended investment in modern distribution infrastructure and the adoption of alternative energy solutions such as solar mini-grids to ease pressure on the existing system.
Residents further appealed for a fairer tariff regime that reflects the actual quality of power supply, stressing that any review of electricity charges should involve community representatives and consider local realities.
Calls were also made for stronger collaboration between KEDL, government agencies and community leaders to fast-track infrastructure upgrades and promote energy efficiency initiatives.
As frustration continues to grow, residents expressed hope that the distribution company would take urgent steps to improve electricity supply and restore public confidence.