From N2.7M To N29M?! Lagos State Deputy Governor Blasts Disco Over Insane Electricity Bill

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, has raised serious concerns about the alarming increase in electricity bills issued by power distribution companies, describing the situation as a clear example of the suffering endured by residents under the estimated billing system.

Speaking during a roundtable discussion in Victoria Island on Monday, Dr Hamzat revealed that the monthly electricity bill for his official residence surged from N2.7 million in March to an outrageous N29 million in April. Despite purchasing a prepaid meter, he lamented that the distribution company, Eko DisCo, has made it extremely difficult to transition from the estimated billing model to a proper metered system.

“I bought a meter so I won’t keep getting estimated bills, but converting it has been a serious challenge,” he stated, calling the situation not only frustrating but also unfair to ordinary citizens who do not have his level of access or influence.

Hamzat, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Lagos State Government and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), emphasized that the issue of crazy billing is widespread. He cited the case of a resident in Coker Aguda, Surulere, who received a power bill of N2.8 million—more than his annual house rent of N2 million.

“Our people are suffering because of estimated billing,” he said, urging for more accountability and consumer protection in the electricity sector.

The MoU with REA aims to boost power supply in underserved rural areas of Lagos through sustainable and renewable energy initiatives. Commissioner for Energy, Engr. Biodun Ogunleye, who was present at the event, praised the agreement as a major step forward in making electricity more accessible, especially in off-grid communities. He reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to becoming a leader in renewable energy and inclusive infrastructure development.

The event marks a dual moment—one of progress in expanding electricity access, and another of frustration at the persistent failure of power providers to deliver fair, transparent billing to citizens.