Residents In Anambra Protest Soaring Electricity Bills Exceeding National Minimum Wage.
Residents of Iyiowa Odekpe in Ogbaru Local Government Area have taken to the streets to protest against what they describe as “exorbitant” electricity bills issued by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC). The demonstrators, comprising local workers, families, and business owners, voiced their outrage over monthly charges that reportedly surpass Nigeria’s national minimum wage of ₦70,000.
The protest, which unfolded peacefully, saw residents marching through the community, holding placards and chanting slogans demanding fair billing practices. Many expressed frustration that the soaring costs were unsustainable, particularly for low-income households already grappling with economic challenges.
“This is unacceptable,” said Chukwuma Okeke, a local trader and father of three. “How can we pay electricity bills higher than our monthly earnings? We’re not running factories in our homes. The EEDC must address this immediately.”
Community leaders have called for urgent dialogue with EEDC officials to review the billing system and ensure transparency. They argue that the current charges are disproportionate to actual electricity consumption and place an undue burden on residents.
EEDC has yet to issue an official response to the protests, but the situation has sparked broader conversations about the affordability of essential services across Nigeria. As the cost-of-living crisis deepens, the residents of Iyiowa Odekpe are urging authorities to act swiftly to address their grievances.
“We’re not asking for free electricity,” said Adaora Nwankwo, a local schoolteacher. “We just want bills that reflect what we use and what we can afford.”
The protest underscores growing tensions between utility providers and consumers in Nigeria, with many communities calling for reforms to ensure equitable access to electricity. For now, the people of Iyiowa Odekpe remain resolute, vowing to continue their campaign until their concerns are addressed.
