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A public outcry has emerged over the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) following an open petition to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). The petition, penned by a concerned citizen and humanitarian advocate, addresses the alleged illegal demand of N5 million by JEDC to connect a donated transformer in Ankpa Ward, Makurdi, behind Alhaji Dash Motors.
The transformer was graciously provided by Honourable Dickson Tarkighir, a House of Representatives member representing the good people of Makurdi/Guma at the National Assembly, to alleviate the long-standing lack of electricity access for residents. This generous gesture aimed to restore dignity and improve quality of life, but hope has been dashed as JEDC reportedly demands the exorbitant sum before powering the transformer.
The petition labels JEDC’s actions as immoral, exploitative, and a violation of NERC regulations, which state that consumers should not be charged for the procurement, installation, or maintenance of distribution infrastructure, including transformers. It calls for urgent NERC intervention, including:
1. Ordering JEDC to immediately and unconditionally connect and power the transformer at no cost to residents.
2. Investigating and sanctioning JEDC for attempting to extort money from already burdened citizens.
3. Issuing a public directive reaffirming NERC’s position on consumer rights regarding electricity infrastructure.
4. Ensuring refunds for any extorted funds in similar cases and holding those responsible accountable.
The petitioner highlights a broader pattern of institutional indifference, regulatory defiance, and exploitation undermining confidence in the electricity sector. Residents of Ankpa Ward and Nigerians at large deserve better, with a call for NERC to rise to the occasion and enforce regulatory integrity.
The matter remains under scrutiny as stakeholders await NERC’s response.
