The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has expressed deep frustration over an outrageous electricity bill imposed on his official residence, revealing that the charge surged from N2.7 million in March to an alarming N29 million in April.
Speaking on Monday during a roundtable discussion held in Victoria Island, Hamzat, who was representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the event, disclosed that despite purchasing a prepaid meter, the electricity distribution company, Eko Disco, has continually frustrated efforts to convert from estimated billing to prepaid metering.
“I bought a meter so I won’t keep getting estimated bills, but converting it has been a serious challenge,” Hamzat lamented. “From N2.7 million to N29 million in just one month—it’s unbelievable.”
He described the situation as not only personal but symptomatic of a broader crisis affecting Lagos residents.
“Our people are suffering because of estimated billing,” the deputy governor stated. “I know of someone in Coker Aguda, Surulere, who received a N2.8 million electricity bill. The man’s annual rent is just N2 million.”
The event was held to mark the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Lagos State Government and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), a partnership aimed at improving electricity access across underserved communities in the state.
While commending the Commissioner for Energy, Engr. Biodun Ogunleye, for facilitating the initiative, Hamzat praised the MoU as a forward step toward achieving inclusive and reliable power distribution in Lagos.
“This collaboration is critical to our long-term goal of ensuring that no part of Lagos is left behind in our electricity development plan,” he said.
Commissioner Ogunleye, in his remarks, said the partnership with the REA would unlock new opportunities for rural communities and accelerate the deployment of clean, renewable energy solutions. He emphasized that Lagos is leading the way in sustainable power reforms.
“We are committed to building a power infrastructure that is people-focused and sustainable,” Ogunleye stated.
