Community in Ibadan Demands Immediate Action to Address Chronic Power Crisis
Residents of Bodija Estate and surrounding areas in Ibadan have raised urgent concerns about the persistent electricity crisis that has left their community in darkness for years. The Bodija Estate Residents Association (BERA) has called on the Minister of Power to take immediate action to resolve the issue, which has severely impacted daily life and local businesses.
On Thursday, the President of BERA, Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, addressed journalists in Ibadan, expressing deep frustration over what he described as years of neglect and inefficiency by power authorities. He urged the Federal Government to prioritize the installation of a new 100MVA transformer that was delivered to the community by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
Bodija, established in 1959 by the then Western Nigeria Housing Corporation under Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s administration, was once a model of urban planning and organized living. However, the estate and surrounding areas now suffer from an acute electricity shortage that has disrupted social life and crippled local businesses.
“For over five years, our community has endured erratic and unreliable power supply, with blackouts sometimes lasting for weeks,” said Pastor Bamgbose. “We are paying for services we are not getting, and the situation has become unbearable for residents and business owners alike.”
Initially classified under Band A, which guarantees a minimum of 20 hours of daily electricity supply, Bodija residents have never experienced such stability despite paying higher tariffs. Following the Federal Government’s tariff review in April 2024, which raised Band A rates to N225 per kWh, the community was later downgraded to Band B, which promised 16 hours of supply per day — a target that, according to BERA, has also not been met.
Currently, Bodija and surrounding districts depend on a 40MVA transformer managed by TCN, which has been described as grossly overloaded and inadequate for the growing energy demands of the area.
The Solution is Available
A source within the power sector confirmed that a 100MVA transformer has already been delivered to the site, awaiting installation. “Once operational, it is expected to significantly improve supply and potentially restore Bodija and its environs to Band A status, ensuring up to 20 hours of electricity daily,” said the source.
Pastor Bamgbose therefore appealed to the Minister of Power and the Federal Government to expedite the installation process before the end of December 2025, stressing that the move would transform the lives of thousands of residents and revive local economic activity.
“This single intervention will not only restore reliable electricity but will also reaffirm the government’s commitment to equitable power distribution and sustainable community development,” he added.
The association maintained that the restoration of a steady power supply would help reclaim Bodija’s historic status as Nigeria’s first planned residential estate and a symbol of orderly urban living that should not be left in darkness.
The Impact of Reliable Electricity
Reliable electricity is essential for the functioning of any community. In Bodija, the lack of consistent power has had far-reaching consequences. Businesses have struggled to operate, and residents have faced daily challenges in managing basic needs. The introduction of the 100MVA transformer could be a turning point for the area, offering a chance to restore normalcy and support economic growth.
As the community awaits the installation of the new transformer, there is hope that the government will act swiftly to address the long-standing issues. The residents of Bodija deserve a reliable power supply that reflects the importance of their community and the contributions they have made over the years.