The National Assembly (NASS) has been urged to protect Nigerians from alleged extortion by Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) through their oversight functions.
The Africa Anti-Slavery Coalition (AASLAC), in a statement by its Convener, Tony Masha, called for a public hearing in Lagos to address widespread fraudulent billing practices and mismanagement of the prepaid metering system.
Masha criticized the exploitation of consumers, noting that prepaid meters—meant to ensure pay-as-you-use billing—have instead become tools for unjust charges. He revealed that many residents in Lagos face mounting debts despite not having their prepaid meters installed after completing necessary applications.
“In most parts of Lagos, DisCos lure unsuspecting consumers to apply for meters, yet bills accumulate whether or not the meters are installed,” Masha said, citing alarming cases across Ikeja and Eko Electric jurisdictions.
AASLAC highlighted several incidents of abuse, including:
The removal of prepaid meters in Gbagada, forcing residents to pay N367,000 for uninstalled meters.
Disconnection of two buildings in Ojota due to debts owed by a few occupants.
A property buyer charged N500,000 over outstanding bills left by previous residents.
The coalition also accused DisCos of inflating monthly bills for consumers awaiting prepaid meters—some of whom have paid for meters over two years ago without resolution.
“This extortion worsens during the festive season,” Masha added, urging NASS to investigate DisCos undercover to experience the alleged maltreatment of consumers firsthand.
AASLAC commended the Senate for acknowledging the failure of the 2013 power sector privatization and called for a comprehensive review to protect citizens from further exploitation.
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