By Odita Sunday
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order an independent investigation into the operations of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), alleging that Abuja residents are being subjected to unexplained reductions in prepaid electricity units despite claims that electricity tariffs have not been increased.
The pro-democracy and civil rights advocacy group, in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, described the situation as a “national scandal,” accusing regulatory authorities of failing to protect consumers from what it termed exploitative electricity billing practices.
HURIWA said complaints from electricity consumers across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have continued to mount over the sharp decline in prepaid electricity units received for the same amount of money paid only weeks earlier, despite assurances from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) that no tariff increase had been approved.
According to the association, the contradiction between NERC’s position and the experiences of consumers raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability within the electricity distribution system.
The group alleged that many households are now spending as much as ₦45,000 on electricity credits that are exhausted within days, despite operating only basic home appliances such as refrigerators, fans and light bulbs.
HURIWA accused AEDC of failing to provide satisfactory explanations to customers over the persistent complaints of shrinking prepaid units, while also faulting NERC for allegedly not responding with the urgency expected of a regulator charged with protecting electricity consumers.
The association, however, commended the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for its efforts in protecting Nigerians in sectors such as telecommunications, financial services and retail markets, but urged the commission to extend similar oversight to the electricity sector by investigating allegations of consumer exploitation in Abuja.
It further argued that the absence of effective competition in Abuja’s electricity distribution market has left consumers with limited options, resulting in poor service delivery, recurring blackouts and what it described as excessive charges.
HURIWA also questioned the government’s claims of electricity subsidies, asking why consumers continue to spend increasing amounts on electricity while receiving fewer prepaid units and experiencing worsening service.
The group urged President Tinubu to direct an immediate forensic investigation into AEDC’s prepaid metering and billing system to determine whether consumers are being subjected to arbitrary deductions or other irregularities.
Among its demands, HURIWA called on AEDC to publicly explain the reported reduction in prepaid electricity units, urged NERC to conduct and publish the findings of a transparent public investigation, and asked the FCCPC to launch an inquiry into alleged exploitative consumer practices within the Abuja electricity market.
The association also demanded that customers found to have been overbilled be refunded and compensated, while recommending periodic independent audits of smart metering and billing systems.
In addition, HURIWA urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to explore alternative electricity supply arrangements under Nigeria’s reformed electricity framework to reduce reliance on a single distribution company.
The association vowed to continue mobilising consumers and pursuing lawful democratic channels until Abuja residents receive what it described as reliable electricity supply, transparent billing and respect for their rights.
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