Abuja residents lament prolonged power outage, say supply lasts only seconds daily

By KEMI KASUMU and OUR REPORTER, Abuja

However, residents have called for urgent intervention, warning that the prolonged outage is taking a toll on livelihoods and economic activities in the communities.

Residents of Kurudu, Orozo, and Karshi communities on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory have raised concerns over a worsening electricity crisis, describing the situation as severe and prolonged.

The communities, under the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), have reportedly experienced erratic power supply for nearly two months. Affected residents say the situation has disrupted daily life and crippled small businesses.

Several residents expressed frustration, claiming that electricity supply in their areas lasts only a few seconds each day. Despite the minimal supply, they also decried what they described as high estimated billing.

Jennifer, a hairdresser in Kurudu, said the outage has significantly affected her business operations. She explained that reliance on generators has become unsustainable due to rising fuel costs.

“It has been very difficult to operate. There are days I cannot work because I depend on a generator, and fuel now costs about N1,300 per litre. It’s becoming unbearable,” she said.

A welder, Ogidi, also highlighted the impact on his livelihood, noting that the unpredictable power supply has led to loss of income.

“How can anyone work when electricity comes for just a few seconds and goes off again? I’ve lost several jobs because I can’t tell when power will be available,” he said.

Similarly, Mrs Udoka, who operates a cold room business, said she was forced to shut down due to the high cost of running alternative power sources.

“I had to shut down because running a generator is too expensive. It’s affecting my business and the preservation of perishable goods,” she said.

A laundry operator, Kazeem, described the supply as unreliable and insufficient for any meaningful activity.

“We sometimes see light for barely a minute before it goes off again. It’s not something anyone can rely on,” he said.

In neighbouring Mararaba Loko in Nasarawa State, residents reported a similar situation, describing electricity supply as nearly non-existent.

Mrs Chidera, a tailor in the area, said the erratic supply has made it difficult for residents to plan their daily activities or sustain their businesses.

“Electricity rarely comes, and when it does, it lasts for only a few seconds. Yet, our prepaid meters run as if we have constant supply. It’s frustrating and unfair,” she said.

Reacting to the complaints, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company acknowledged the outage and apologised to customers. In a statement posted on its official social media platforms, the company attributed the situation to low power allocation and assured residents that efforts are underway to improve supply.

AEDC stated that normal electricity supply would be restored once allocation to the affected areas improves.

However, residents have called for urgent intervention, warning that the prolonged outage is taking a toll on livelihoods and economic activities in the communities.