The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has launched a three-day forum to address the increasing complaints of consumers against the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).
The forum was organized by FCCPC in conjunction with the Sango/Ota Area Community Development Committee (SACDC) and brought together stakeholders from IBEDC and the consumers.
It was set up to address complaints from residents, which include allegations of negligence, communities funding their electricity infrastructure, and still paying exorbitant bills.
Tunji Bello, the executive vice chairman/CEO of FCCPC, represented by Mrs Bridget Etim, a director from FCCPC, stated that the forum was organized in line with the commission’s mandate to make consumer protection accessible and effective.
Therefore, urged the residents to utilize the forum to report service-related grievances using the appropriate channel using the appropriate channel.
It states:
“It is designed to bridge gaps between consumers and service providers in the electricity industry. Electricity is not merely a commodity. It is a vital service that powers livelihoods, businesses, and progress. However, the country continues to grapple with persistent issues such as insufficient metering, billing inaccuracies, and infrastructure challenges, all of which require urgent and collaborative resolution.”
Bello reiterated the commission’s commitment to educate consumers about their rights and also facilitate complaints resolution to ensure improved service delivery.
Speaking during the event, Francis Agoha, the chief executive officer of IBEDC stated that the forum is timely and would help resolve ongoing issues between the company and the consumer and also outlined the proper guidelines to follow when investing in electricity infrastructure. He said:
“When consumers or communities purchase transformers or pay for meters, there is a legal process that requires documentation and regulatory approval.
Immediate refunds are not made in cash but are compensated through energy credits over time.”
Olatunji Onaolapo, the Zonal CDC chairman, Ado Odo Ota community described the forum as a huge relief, as he lamented about the multiple meetings with the company which had left the problems unresolved.
He urged IBEDC to eradicate estimated billing and provide prepaid meters to restore consumer confidence and ensure fair prices.
