The South East Zone of the Association of Electricity Consumers of Nigeria (ECAN) has raised concerns over attempts by certain individuals to mislead electricity customers in the Aba Ring-fenced Area (ARFA), which covers nine out of the 17 local government areas in Abia State, regarding their bill payments.
In a statement issued today in Owerri, Imo State, ECAN Zonal Chairman, Engr. Joe Ubani, and Secretary, Comrade Chris Okpara, cautioned against the actions of a few persons who have been encouraging Aba Power customers to withhold payment of their outstanding electricity bills. This misinformation follows the recent tariff review by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in the region.
According to ECAN, these individuals have been discouraging customers from settling their debts since January but intensified their activities on Tuesday after securing an ex parte motion from a state high court in a rural Abia community. The order, granted by Justice Enyinnaya Okezie of the Abia State High Court in Isiala Ngwa, restrains Aba Power from disconnecting defaulting customers—an order issued without prior notice to the electricity provider.
ECAN described the court’s decision as questionable, asserting that legal experts believe the interim order will likely be vacated soon. The association hinted at a possible petition to the National Judicial Council (NJC), citing previous warnings from higher courts and disciplinary actions against judicial officers for the indiscriminate issuance of ex parte orders.
Furthermore, ECAN questioned the jurisdiction of a state high court in handling a matter involving NERC, a federal agency, when such cases fall under the authority of the Federal High Court.
Addressing customers misled into withholding payment, ECAN emphasized that ex parte motions are temporary and do not exempt consumers from their financial obligations. “Customers will soon have to face the reality of settling their bills, and delaying payments could make it even more difficult for them,” the association warned. “Those advising non-payment are actually working against the interests of innocent consumers.”
The association also noted that while NERC had increased tariffs for Band A customers—those receiving at least 20 hours of electricity daily—on April 4, Aba Power’s tariff hike has been deferred until January 1, 2025. Despite this, Aba Power remains the only electricity distribution company in Nigeria that has not received any federal government subsidy since the privatization of the power sector in November 2013.
Meanwhile, Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has disclosed that the Federal Government is evaluating the Geometric Power model with the intention of replicating it in other regions of the country.
