Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat has openly criticized electricity distribution companies (DisCos) over what he described as outrageous and exploitative billing practices, after receiving a shocking ₦29 million electricity bill in April, up from ₦2.7 million the previous month.
During a roundtable meeting between the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the Lagos State Government in Victoria Island on Monday, April 14, Hamzat expressed serious frustration with the billing system, stating that even his efforts to embrace transparency through a prepaid meter have been ignored.
“There are billing challenges. In fact, I’m a very good example,” Hamzat said.
“Last month, in the state house where I live, the bill was ₦2.7 million. This month, Eko DisCo sent us a bill of ₦29 million. I sent it to the Commissioner for Energy. It’s crazy. I actually bought a meter to stop estimated billing, but converting it has been wahala.”
The Deputy Governor accused DisCos of resisting transparency and putting undue pressure on citizens with estimated billing, especially in areas where access to prepaid meters remains a challenge.
He also highlighted another case involving a resident in Coker Aguda, Surulere, who received a ₦2.8 million bill—a figure that exceeded his annual rent of ₦2 million.
“How can the bill be more than the man’s rent for a year? Our people are suffering because of estimated billing,” he added.
Hamzat’s remarks echo growing public outcry over inconsistent electricity supply and excessive bills. Many are calling on the government to intervene and compel DisCos to deploy prepaid meters across all households to curb exploitation.
The roundtable meeting was held in preparation for a new rural electrification agreement to improve energy access and address ongoing power sector challenges in Lagos and across the country.
