Sani Dutsinma
The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Muhammadu Mera, has called on the Federal and State Governments to review the privatization process of the defunct National Electric Power Authority, citing the inability of Kaduna Electric Distribution Company (KEDCO) to meet the electricity needs of consumers.
The monarch made the call when a stakeholders’ investigation panel set up by the Kebbi State Government to assess the activities of KEDCO paid him a courtesy visit at his palace in Argungu.
According to the Emir, KEDCO has failed in its responsibilities due to inadequate manpower and a shortage of qualified professionals to effectively manage the company’s operations.
He also lamented poor infrastructure, weak management, lack of facility upgrades, and the company’s failure to undertake meaningful corporate social responsibility projects.
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The Emir urged governments at all levels to explore alternative means of electricity generation across the country in order to provide competition and improve power supply services.
Alhaji Samaila Mera further disclosed that residents of Argungu currently receive electricity for only about three hours daily despite being subjected to estimated monthly billing.
He revealed that the emirate council pays nearly one million naira monthly for electricity despite the poor supply situation.
The traditional ruler also expressed concern over the suspension of experienced and professional staff members, noting that less qualified personnel had taken over operations. He called for the reinstatement of affected workers and advocated increased public enlightenment campaigns to educate consumers on their rights.
Earlier, the Chairman of the investigation committee, Usman Abubakar Gwandu, said the panel visited the emirate to seek guidance and support in achieving its mandate.
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He explained that the committee was engaging stakeholders, electricity consumers, KEDCO officials, and professionals in the sector to identify lasting solutions to the persistent power challenges.
Also speaking, a member of the committee and representative of the Kebbi State Council of Chiefs, Abdulsalam Muhammad, said many consumers were unaware of their rights regarding electricity services.
He urged residents to familiarize themselves with their constitutional rights as consumers and seek redress when necessary.
Abdulsalam noted that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission is responsible for protecting both consumers and service providers, encouraging customers to obtain information about their rights from KEDCO and relevant agencies.
He added that electricity distribution companies are responsible for the procurement, installation, maintenance, and upgrade of their facilities, while calling on KEDCO to be fair, transparent, and sincere in its dealings with customers.