Nigerians are grappling with frustrating power outages despite recent claims of increased power generation, triggering widespread discontent, particularly among Band A customers who pay premium rates for a guaranteed minimum of 20 hours of daily electricity supply. Across Lagos, Abuja, and Kaduna, customers are lamenting prolonged blackouts, contradicting the promises made by distribution companies (DisCos).

The recent achievement of a 6,003MW peak in power generation, alongside a daily maximum energy output of 128,370.75 MWh, had raised hopes for improved electricity supply. However, the reality on the ground tells a different story, with average power generation hovering around 5,000MW and frequent disruptions plaguing various regions.

Customers are voicing their frustration through online and offline protests, demanding accountability from the DisCos. Abdullahi Ahmad, a Band-A customer in Garki Area 11, Abuja, expressed his disillusionment, stating, "I am tired of being on the Band-A feeder, paying outrageous bills, and receiving poor supply." He highlighted the discrepancy between the promised 20 hours of daily supply and the actual 8 to 19 hours experienced over the past month. Ahmad, whose monthly bill averages N3 million, is among many demanding to be downgraded to a lower band, deeming the current arrangement unsustainable.

Similar sentiments echo across different areas. Paul Emmanuel, a customer in Kubwa, reported over five days of blackout due to faulty feeders, urging prompt action from the DisCo. In Lagos, customers served by Ikeja Electricity Distribution Companies (IKEDC) and Eko Electricity Distribution Companies (EEDC) are also facing severe disruptions. Niyi Ademola, a Band-A customer in Agege, lamented receiving barely 12 hours of power supply on any given day, with over three days of total blackout.

The DisCos attribute these disruptions to faults in feeders. The AEDC, via its official X handle, reported up to 25 power outages in March due to faulty feeders. Kingsley Okotie, spokesman for Ikeja DisCo, cited faults in a source feeder from Ogba Transmission as the cause, assuring that repairs were underway. He also pointed to major supply issues on the TCN Ikeja West Line, leading to a drop in power supply and subsequent load-shedding.

Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu has criticized the DisCos for their lack of investment in distribution infrastructure, leading to reliance on outdated materials and practices such as cannibalizing equipment from lower band feeders to fix those serving higher-paying customers. Further compounding the problem, the national grid experienced another system outage, causing a drop in power generation below 1,000MW and plunging parts of Lagos State into darkness.