The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has directed the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to refund customers for purchasing electricity infrastructure such as transformers, poles, and cables. During a consumer forum held in Ota, Ogun State, FCCPC CEO Tunji Bello—represented by Bridget Etim—emphasized that such refunds should be made regardless of whether the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) was informed beforehand. Bello criticized the Disco’s stance that NERC approval was required and insisted it was the Disco’s duty to escalate community investments to the regulator.
Bello also cited a precedent where Jos Electricity Distribution Company compensated a community without prior notice to either NERC or the FCCPC. He urged IBEDC to take a cue from this and adapt its policies accordingly. Consumers, he added, have the right to receive refunds when they step in to fund critical electricity infrastructure in underserved areas, and he encouraged them to inform the FCCPC of such contributions in advance to ensure accountability.
Frustration from local leaders echoed the FCCPC’s concerns. Olatunji Onaolapo, Chairman of the Ado-Odo/Ota Zonal CDC, criticized IBEDC for neglecting its responsibilities, revealing that residents of Itele Ota had purchased as many as 80 transformers without support or compensation from the distribution company. He accused IBEDC of leaving consumers in the dark despite their investments and efforts to get the equipment energized.
In defense, Abdulrasaq Jimoh, IBEDC’s Ogun State boss, stated that the communities failed to follow due process by not informing the company or NERC before acquiring the equipment. He suggested the lack of communication limited the Disco’s ability to act appropriately. However, FCCPC’s directive now places the responsibility for initiating refunds squarely on the Disco, potentially signaling a shift toward stronger consumer protection in Nigeria’s electricity sector.
Source: Business day