Anger is rising in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State. Residents are protesting prolonged blackouts and what they describe as “extortionist billing practices” by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC).
A video shows members of the Ogidi community at EEDC’s district office, chanting and holding placards. Their demand is simple: supply electricity or leave their town.
In the video, the President-General of the Ogidi Town Union accused EEDC of fraudulent billing. He revealed that EEDC asked the community to pay ₦10 million for an electricity feeder before power can be restored.
“EEDC should put their house in order,” he said. “Either they provide infrastructure and supply us, or they should pack and leave our community.”
He added that residents are tired of paying high bills without electricity, while also spending money on fuel for generators.
“There is no point in paying phantom electricity bills and still buying fuel to power our homes,” he stated.
Many in the South East share this experience. The supply is poor, yet the bills keep coming.
SEECA Battles EEDC in Court — And Wins
This ongoing frustration birthed the South East Electricity Consumers Association (SEECA), founded by Rev. Dr. OC Obioha JP and others. SEECA’s mission is to educate and empower electricity consumers across the region.
Recently, EEDC took SEECA to court, accusing the group of overstepping. The case was heard at the Federal High Court in Enugu.
The court in a landmark judgement on February 19, 2025, dismissed EEDC’s case against SEECA.
EEDC has filed an appeal at the Federal Court of Appeal in Enugu.
According to a statement signed by Rev. Obioha, the court victory was a significant step in protecting the rights of South East residents.
“They sued South East Electricity Consumers Association at the Federal High Court Enugu… Their case was dismissed,” Rev. Obioha said. “We will win them all through to the Supreme Court if they continue.”
SEECA described EEDC as lacking the technical and financial capacity to manage electricity distribution across the entire region.
“They should be given just one LGA to manage,” said Rev. Obioha. “Since they took over from PHCN, they have not invested a kobo in infrastructure.”
He claimed their license was politically motivated and has kept the South East in darkness.
“They are exploiting the people of the South East with the support of leaders who should be defending the region,” the SEECA leader added.
SEECA Calls for Licence Revocation and Alternative Solutions
SEECA is now calling for EEDC’s licence to be withdrawn by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
“They have outlived their invitation,” said Rev. Obioha. “There is nothing that can come out of EEDC. They are a dead horse.”
SEECA also criticised the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo and EEDC, calling it bad governance.
“There is nothing good to come from EEDC in Anambra or the South East,” Rev. Obioha said. “Governor Soludo should emulate Enugu’s Dr Peter Mbah and create an independent Electricity Regulatory Commission.”
SEECA is urging state governments to license more companies to generate and distribute power. They say it’s the only way to break the monopoly that creates the cycle of blackout, exploitation and lack of progress.
“Set up independent regulatory commissions and allow more distribution companies to operate,” the SEECA founder suggested. “That’s how to see magic in electricity supply.”
The people of Ogidi and other South East communities continue to wait for light — literally and figuratively. Many believe the battle for stable electricity is just beginning.
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