CIVIL SOCIETY WARNS AEDC, NEDC: RESOLVE NIGER BLACKOUTS WITHIN SEVEN DAYS

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By: Fasasi Hammad

Civil society groups in Niger State have given the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and the Niger Electricity Distribution Company (NEDC) a seven-day ultimatum, warning that they will organise a peaceful mass mobilisation if ongoing power outages and exploitative billing practices are not promptly addressed.

The protest, scheduled for March 3, 2026, in Minna, is being coordinated by Capacity Media Trust Radio – Human Rights Radio and led by Comrade Lanre Sadiq Ishaq, Chairman of the Niger State Civil Society Organisations.

The mobilisation will also include members of the Nigerian Bar Association and organised labour groups across the state.

The groups’ grievances focus on erratic electricity supply, delays in prepaid meter installations, and inadequate infrastructure maintenance. They are demanding an immediate halt to estimated billing until power supply stabilises, swift restoration of electricity during outages, and fair distribution of electricity across all communities.

Additionally, they are calling for the installation of prepaid meters to ensure transparency and consumer control, as well as full accountability by the distribution companies for transformer repairs, infrastructure replacement, and maintenance, without passing costs to customers.

“We cannot continue to pay for darkness. If there is no light, there should be no bill. Electricity is not a privilege but a basic service that citizens are entitled to. The people of Niger State deserve stable supply, prepaid meters, transparent communication, and an end to exploitative billing,” the statement read.

“Participants will carry placards and banners under the theme, ‘No Light, No Bill,’ as they peacefully demand fairness, accountability, and reliable electricity,” it added.

The organisers emphasised that the demonstration will be lawful and peaceful, urging security agencies to ensure the safety of all participants.