The Kebbi Development Forum (KDF) on Monday commenced a sensitisation programme for electricity consumers on the effective use of power and the need to prevent vandalism of electrical installations across the state.
The sensitisation and town hall meeting, organised in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), was held at the Unity Conference Hall in Zuru.
The event attracted participants from various sectors, including traditional institutions, members of the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), the National Association of Welders, youth and women groups, among others.
Issues discussed at the meeting included low voltage, irregular power supply, prepaid meters, estimated billing, and vandalism of electricity infrastructure.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of KDF, Alhaji Usman Abubakar, described the forum as a non-profit, non-partisan organisation focused on harnessing the state’s human and natural resources for sustainable development.
Abubakar said the programme aimed to listen to consumers’ complaints, promote efficient and productive use of electricity for economic growth, and strengthen awareness of consumers’ rights and responsibilities.
According to him, increased awareness would improve access to quality service, enhance complaint redress mechanisms, encourage timely payment of electricity bills, and promote community protection of transformers and other power infrastructure.
He stressed the need for KEDCO to create a structured engagement platform with consumers and stakeholders to foster trust and improve service delivery.
Abubakar identified lack of awareness as a major challenge affecting consumers’ understanding of their rights and obligations, adding that communities must play an active role in protecting electrical installations, paying bills promptly and reporting faults for quick intervention.
“Electricity should not be seen merely as a source of light, but as a strategic driver of economic growth. It supports agriculture, small-scale businesses, healthcare, water supply, education and security,” he said.
He further disclosed that successive administrations in Kebbi State had demonstrated commitment to improving electricity supply, noting that the current government recently released N650 million to KEDCO for the procurement of a 15MVA transformer and pledged a monthly support of N150 million to enhance electricity access in vulnerable communities.
In his remarks, the Regional Manager of KEDCO in Kebbi State, Alhaji Sani Muhammad-Makinu, represented by Mr Iliya Danjuma, explained that the company was responsible only for power distribution, as electricity was supplied monthly by generation companies.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) Birnin Kebbi Forum, Alhaji Abdussalam Muhammad, said the forum was established in 2023 to address consumer complaints.
He advised customers to report complaints directly to KEDCO, adding that unresolved issues should be escalated to NERC within 24 hours, provided consumers were up to date with bill payments.
The Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi-Mika’ilu, represented by the Chief of Dabai Chiefdom, Alhaji Suleiman Sami, commended the organisers and the state government for supporting efforts to improve electricity supply.
He urged participants to apply the knowledge gained from the programme to ensure responsible and efficient use of electricity for community and economic development.