Edo Lawmaker Accuses BEDC of Extortion, Demands Probe into Power Sector Practices

By Elvis Omoregie, Benin 

The Minority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, Charity Aiguobarueghian, has accused the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) of systemic exploitation and regulatory impunity, alleging that communities are being compelled to pay millions of naira to access electricity infrastructure already provided through public interventions.

Aiguobarueghian, who represents Ovia North-East Constituency I, made the allegation while receiving members of Otuedo N’ Ogbenbe (Benin Journalists Forum) during a courtesy visit. He also commended the group for promoting developmental advocacy in Edo South Senatorial District.

The lawmaker described the practices of the distribution company as a distortion of the objectives of government-backed constituency projects, particularly in underserved communities.

He cited the case of Evbuomore community, which he said endured months of blackout following the breakdown of its transformer. According to him, he facilitated the provision of a replacement transformer to restore electricity supply, but the effort has been stalled by additional financial demands from BEDC.

“Despite providing a transformer to alleviate the suffering of the people, BEDC is demanding between ₦3 million and ₦4 million before energising it. This raises serious concerns about accountability and fairness in the power sector,” he said.

Aiguobarueghian further disclosed that in another community within his constituency, a newly installed transformer has remained idle for an extended period, leaving residents without power despite the availability of infrastructure.

He warned that such practices exacerbate economic hardship, particularly for small businesses and households already grappling with rising energy costs and unreliable electricity supply.

“These actions undermine the essence of constituency interventions and place an unjust burden on citizens who are already struggling. It is an anomaly that must be addressed urgently,” he added.

The Minority Leader called on regulatory authorities to investigate the operations of electricity distribution companies, stressing the need to enforce compliance with service delivery obligations and protect consumers from exploitative practices.

All efforts to reach officials of BEDC for comment were unsuccessful as of press time.

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