The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, has lamented the “crazy billing” by electricity distribution companies.

He disclosed that his official residence was slammed with a staggering N29 million electricity bill for April, from N2.7 million in March.

Speaking at a roundtable between the Lagos State Government and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) held in Victoria Island on Monday, April 14, Mr Hamzat said the electricity provider, Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), had also frustrated his efforts to install a prepaid meter despite payment.

“I am a very good example,” he said. “Last month, the bill for the official residence was N2.7 million. This month, Eko DisCo sent a bill of N29 million. I sent it to the Commissioner for Energy. It’s crazy. I actually procured a meter to avoid estimated billing, but converting it has been an ordeal.”

Mr Hamzat, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the event, said the issue of arbitrary electricity charges was affecting not just high-profile officials but also everyday Lagosians.

He cited the case of a resident in Coker Aguda, Surulere, who was issued a bill of N2.8 million — more than his annual rent of N2 million.

“Our people are suffering because of estimated billing,” Mr Hamzat said.

The event marked the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Lagos State and the REA to “solarise” rural communities across the state.

Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, hailed the partnership as a major step towards stable electricity for underserved communities.

“Opportunities are opening up for those who never thought they would experience constant and stable electricity,” Mr Ogunleye said.