Residents of Christ Avenue Community in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State say unreliable electricity supply is forcing households and small businesses to spend more on alternative sources of power.
The residents said electricity could remain available for only a few days before disappearing for several days, making it difficult to plan household activities and run businesses efficiently.
Businesses Bear the Brunt
For small business owners, the unstable power supply has translated into higher operating costs.
A fashion designer in the community, Folashewa, said she has been forced to use gas and charcoal to iron customers’ clothes whenever electricity is unavailable.
“Sometimes, I fill up 2kg of gas, and it doesn’t last for more than two weeks,” she said, adding that the additional energy costs were eating into her earnings.
She appealed for more reliable electricity, saying stable power would help her reduce expenses and grow her business.
Households Struggle With Food Preservation
The electricity crisis is also affecting how residents manage their homes.
Mummy Zakariya said the inconsistent supply had made food preservation difficult, forcing her family to buy food in smaller quantities rather than stocking up.
The situation, she said, has increased household expenses and made everyday activities more difficult.
She also described the lengths residents sometimes go to when electricity is unavailable, including using makeshift methods to prepare school uniforms for their children.
Generator Costs Add More Pressure
Another resident, Matthew, said the unreliable supply had forced him to spend significantly more on petrol for his generator.
He estimated that running the generator during periods of prolonged outages could cost about ₦10,000 weekly in fuel.
The resident said the cost was particularly difficult to bear because households still face other financial obligations.
He also expressed frustration that residents continue to pay for electricity despite experiencing prolonged periods without supply.
Residents Seek Answers From IBEDC
Matthew said he previously complained to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) and was informed that the community receives only the electricity capacity supplied to the area by the company.
However, residents said they need clearer information about the cause of the unstable supply and what measures are being taken to improve electricity delivery.
When contacted, IBEDC Head of Corporate Affairs Angela Olanrewaju directed enquiries to the company’s Media Relations Officer, Daniel Adugbo.
As of the time of filing the report, Adugbo had not responded to calls and messages seeking the company’s position on the complaints.
Power Reliability Becomes Cost Issue
For residents of Christ Avenue Community, the electricity problem goes beyond the inconvenience of frequent outages.
Unstable power is increasing the cost of running businesses, preserving food and performing basic household activities, while forcing families to depend on generators and other alternative energy sources.
The residents are therefore calling for improved electricity supply and greater communication from the distribution company on efforts to address the persistent outages.
