The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Muhammadu Mera, has called on the federal and state governments to urgently review the privatization of the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), accusing Kaduna Electric (KEDCO) of failing consumers across Kebbi State.
The monarch made the call when members of the Kebbi State Stakeholders Investigation Panel on KEDCO visited his palace in Argungu as part of ongoing consultations on the power crisis in the state.
The Emir lamented that KEDCO had become incapable of meeting customers’ electricity needs due to inadequate manpower and the absence of qualified professionals to manage its operations effectively.
He decried poor infrastructure, weak management, lack of facility upgrades, and what he described as the company’s failure to carry out meaningful corporate social responsibility projects.
According to him, residents of Argungu currently receive electricity for only about three hours daily, while consumers continue to face estimated billing despite the poor supply.
The monarch disclosed that even the emirate pays nearly ₦1 million monthly in electricity bills in spite of the erratic power situation.
He also criticised the suspension of experienced workers, saying the development had worsened the company’s operations, and called for the reinstatement of competent staff.
The Emir further urged governments at all levels to explore alternative power generation channels capable of competing with KEDCO and improving electricity supply across the country.
Earlier, the Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Usman Abubakar Gwandu, said the panel was in the emirate to seek royal guidance and public input aimed at finding lasting solutions to the lingering electricity challenges.
Also speaking, a member of the committee and representative of the Kebbi State Council of Chiefs, Engineer Abdulsalam Muhammad, said many consumers were unaware of their rights in the power sector.
He urged residents to demand accountability from electricity providers and seek information from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and other relevant agencies.
Muhammad stressed that electricity companies are responsible for the purchase, installation, maintenance, and upgrade of equipment, calling on KEDCO to be fair, transparent, and sincere in its dealings with customers.
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