Residents of Kurudu, Orozo, and Karshi, communities on the outskirts of Abuja are currently facing a severe and prolonged electricity crisis that has left both households and businesses struggling to cope. For over two months, these areas, under the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), have experienced highly erratic power supply, with many residents reporting that electricity is available for only a few seconds each day.
The situation has sparked widespread frustration among residents, who describe the supply as unreliable and inadequate. In some cases, electricity appears briefly at night, only to disappear moments later. Despite this minimal access, many consumers complain of receiving inflated estimated bills or noticing rapid deductions from prepaid meters, further compounding their hardship.
Small business owners have been particularly affected. Jennifer, a hairdresser in Kurudu, explained that the inconsistent power supply has made it nearly impossible to run her business efficiently. She now relies heavily on a generator, with fuel costs reaching as high as ₦1,300 per litre, significantly increasing her operating expenses. Similarly, Ogidi, a welder, said the unpredictability of electricity has led to lost jobs, as he cannot guarantee timely delivery of services.
For others, the impact has been even more severe. Udoka, who operates a cold room, revealed that she was forced to shut down her business entirely due to the unsustainable cost of running a generator and the risk of losing perishable goods. Laundry operators and tailors in nearby communities, including Mararaba Loko in Nasarawa State, report similar challenges, describing electricity as a rare and unreliable commodity.
In response, AEDC acknowledged the issue and issued an apology, attributing the poor supply to limited power allocation. The company assured residents that efforts are ongoing to normalize the situation once supply improves.
However, residents insist that urgent intervention is necessary, emphasizing that the current conditions are unsustainable and continue to threaten livelihoods and economic stability across the affected communities.
