The Minister of Power, Hon. Sale Mamman and the management of Electricity Distribution Companies in the country have refuted the claim that the companies have an agreement with the federal government to supply free electricity to Nigerians during the lockdown period.
According to the press statement made by the Somolu Business Unit Manager, Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKDC), Engr. Olanrewaju Yusuf who made it clear that for the mere fact that the companies suspended disconnection of defaulters does not translate to supplying the customers free electricity.
“As we intensify efforts at providing adequate electricity supply that will make the lockdown period conducive, customers are expected to pay their outstanding electricity bills especially for the month of March 2020 to avoid disconnection as soon as the lockdown is lifted”.
The company has, however, advised that bills payment can be made through bank transfer, IKDC online channels or their agents closer to the customers’ area.
Reacting to the development, some of the Somolu residents who claimed anonymity described the situation as not only disheartening but barbaric.
“It’s worrisome if the federal government and the distribution companies cannot work out modality to give Nigerians free electricity supply especially during this lockdown caused by pandemic coronavirus”.
“There’s no doubt about the fact that if this is done, it will go a long way to cushion the effects of the lockdown period”. one of the residents lamented
“The issue is, if we’ve been going about our normal business activities without any cause for alarm, we’ll definitely pay our bills but now that we’re at home, no business, no money and to even feed the family is now a problem not to talk of paying bills”.
Meanwhile, they advised the government to do the needful where and when necessary to alleviate the suffering of the people so as for the situation not to degenerate into crisis as the situation is becoming unbearable each passing days.
