That ₦29 million electricity bill is insane — even for the Deputy Governor! It’s not just shocking, it’s a loud, clear example of how broken the estimated billing system is in Nigeria, especially in places like Lagos where power access is already patchy and unreliable.
Dr. Hamzat putting his own bill on blast actually makes a strong point — if someone at his level is battling outrageous electricity charges, imagine what the average Lagosian is going through. And that example of someone in Surulere getting a ₦2.8 million bill, higher than their yearly rent? That’s just pure exploitation.
The real kicker is — he already has a meter, but the conversion process to use it properly is “wahala.” That highlights another core issue: meters exist, but the system for using them efficiently is riddled with bureaucracy, poor infrastructure, or outright sabotage.
The bright spot?
The MoU with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the push toward solar mini-grids is promising. Bringing renewable energy into underserved and rural communities could ease the load, reduce dependence on the national grid, and cut down on these absurd bills.
But like the Commissioner for Energy said — “If you’re not in Lagos, you’re not yet there.” It’s a cheeky flex, but it underscores the importance of Lagos leading the charge (literally) on modernizing Nigeria’s energy game.
What do you think — is solar the realistic long-term solution here, or does Nigeria need a deeper overhaul of the entire electricity distribution system first?