ELEVEN YEARS OF DARKNESS: How Four Edo Communities Were Left Behind Following Nigeria’s Power Sector Privatization

Urbanscoopnews reporting

For more than a decade, residents of Udakpa, Ahia, Ukhualen, and Eko-Ogheyen communities have lived in what many describe as an unending cycle of neglect, abandonment, and darkness following the transition of electricity distribution services from the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) to the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).

Findings from an independent fact-finding exercise reveal that these communities, which previously enjoyed regular electricity supply under the administration of NEPA, have remained without public power supply since 2015, when BEDC assumed responsibility for electricity distribution in the area. Residents across the affected communities recount that prior to the privatization of the power sector, electricity supply was relatively stable and served as a vital component of economic and social life.

However, according to community leaders and residents interviewed during this investigation, the situation changed dramatically following the transfer of regulatory and distribution responsibilities to BEDC. They alleged that shortly after the company took over operations, electricity supply to their communities was interrupted and has never been restored.

Community representatives further disclosed that several efforts were made over the years to seek clarification from the distribution company regarding the prolonged blackout. According to accounts gathered during this fact-finding exercise, they were informed on various occasions that the affected communities were not generating sufficient revenue to justify sustained electricity distribution services. Residents contend that the apparent emphasis on commercial profitability over public service obligations effectively condemned their communities to years of darkness.

The prolonged absence of electricity has, over time, resulted in the deterioration of critical power infrastructure within the affected communities. Investigations revealed that several electricity poles have become damaged due to years of abandonment, while the community transformer, once functional, has also deteriorated and is no longer operational.

Residents also alleged that repeated appeals to BEDC for the provision and installation of prepaid electricity meters yielded no positive response. Community leaders maintain that despite numerous engagements and requests over the years, no meaningful intervention has been undertaken to restore electricity supply or rehabilitate the damaged infrastructure.

The impact of the prolonged blackout has been profound and far-reaching. Small businesses that depended on electricity have either collapsed or relocated, students have been forced to study under difficult conditions, healthcare delivery has been negatively affected, and the overall socio-economic development of the communities has suffered significant setbacks. Residents expressed concern that while other communities have experienced varying degrees of improvement in electricity access, Udakpa, Ahia, Ukhualen, and Eko-Ogheyen have remained isolated from a basic public utility considered essential for modern development.

Community stakeholders are therefore calling on the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, relevant regulatory authorities, and all tiers of government to urgently investigate the circumstances surrounding the prolonged outage and take immediate steps toward restoring electricity supply to the affected communities. They are also demanding the rehabilitation of damaged electrical infrastructure and the implementation of measures that will guarantee sustainable power supply going forward.

In the interest of fairness, balance, and adherence to the ethical principles of responsible journalism, efforts were made to obtain the official position of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) on the issues raised in this report. However, as of the time of filing this report, all attempts to reach the company’s management proved abortive.

This report remains open to response, and any official reaction from BEDC will be duly reflected in subsequent publications.