Scores of workers of the Imo Transport Company (ITC) disrupted socio-economic activities in Owerri over the weekend to protest what they described as excessive and unfair monthly estimated billing by the Transpower Electricity Distribution Company Limited.
Protest Details
The demonstration took place at the operational base of the company in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, drawing the attention of residents, motorists, commuters, workers, and business people. According to the protesters, the electricity company issued them a bill of N334,941 in March 2026 and an estimated bill of N637,343 for April 2026. They alleged that despite receiving irregular power supply, they were burdened with huge bills.
Demands of the Protesters
The workers demanded a downward review of the already issued bills and a lower billing rate moving forward. They appealed to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Imo State Government to urgently intervene and investigate the billing system used by the distribution company, urging transparency in electricity charges.
Protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as: “Stop Estimated Billing,” “Consumers Need Protection,” and “Stable Power, Fair Billing. EEDC/Transpower Electric, please don’t kill ITC with outrageous bills from over N300,000 to over N600,000 monthly. It is wickedness. We say no to high bills.”
Official Comments
Speaking with journalists, a senior official of the transport company, Onyeka Ononaobi, expressed regret that the bills were placing heavy pressure on the company’s finances. He lamented low passenger patronage, high fuel prices, inflation, and maintenance costs, describing the bills as unsustainable and unfair. “We provide transport services to ordinary Nigerians. When operational costs continue to rise due to issues like this, the public ultimately suffers,” Ononaobi decried.
Some sympathizers who spoke wondered about the rate of electricity billing in the state, lamenting similar ordeals at their homes and businesses with unstable power supply.
Company Response
Reacting on Saturday evening, the Head of Communications at Transpower Electricity Distribution Company Limited, Francis Akujobi, said he was hearing the information for the first time and promised to contact management before issuing an official statement. “I will get to the management next week, hear from them, and give you feedback on that,” Akujobi stated.
