Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has raised an alarm over what he described as an outrageous increase in his electricity bill — from ₦2.7 million in March to a staggering ₦29 million in April.
Hamzat made the revelation on Sunday while speaking at a public event, expressing frustration at the billing practices of the electricity distribution company servicing his official residence. The 972% hike, he said, was neither communicated nor justified.
“This month, they brought a bill of ₦29 million. I paid ₦2.7 million last month. How does a bill move from ₦2.7 million to ₦29 million in one month?” the deputy governor queried.
The development has sparked renewed public interest in the challenges of estimated billing and irregular tariff hikes that many Nigerians face, including government officials.
The deputy governor’s complaint comes amid national debates on electricity pricing, deregulation, and the ongoing challenges of power supply in Nigeria. With electricity subsidies being gradually withdrawn as part of broader economic reforms, many consumers — both residential and commercial — have reported sharp increases in their monthly bills.
In April 2024, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) approved a tariff increase for Band A customers — those who receive at least 20 hours of electricity daily. The increase, which moved prices from ₦66 per kilowatt-hour to ₦225/kWh, sparked public outrage and raised questions about affordability and fairness in billing practices.
Hamzat’s remarks have triggered a wave of reactions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing empathy and solidarity. Others see his situation as a reflection of the everyday realities faced by ordinary citizens.
“If a deputy governor is being billed ₦29 million, what hope is there for the average Nigerian?” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Energy analysts and consumer rights advocates have called for an urgent audit of electricity billing processes, particularly for government quarters and high-consumption estates.
“This highlights the chaos within the billing system,” said Chika Uche, an energy sector analyst. “If this can happen to someone in government, then the system is clearly broken. We need metering transparency, and fast.”
While the Lagos State Government has not released an official statement on the issue, industry observers expect the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the local distribution company to look into the matter.
Dr. Hamzat’s complaint adds to the growing list of concerns surrounding Nigeria’s electricity reforms. As more consumers experience irregular billing, outages, and insufficient metering, the push for transparency and sector overhaul continues to gain momentum.
Until then, Nigerians — from deputy governors to average households — appear to be united in one sentiment: the current electricity billing model is unsustainable.
