UNILAG Disconnected from Power Supply by EKEDC Over Outstanding Bills

The Eko Distribution Company (EKEDC) has disconnected the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, from the national power grid due to unpaid electricity bills.

UNILAG, like many other universities in Nigeria, has been struggling to meet its electricity payments since EKEDC unilaterally moved the institution from “Band B” to “Band A,” resulting in a significant tariff increase. Previously, the university paid between N150 million and N180 million monthly for electricity. However, as of June, the new “Band A” tariff has led to a bill of nearly N300 million per month — an increase of almost 100%.

In a statement on Wednesday, UNILAG management expressed concern over the sudden disconnection on August 27, despite a recent payment of N180 million to EKEDC. The university claimed that there was no prior notice of the disconnection and that it had been actively negotiating with EKEDC to remain on the more affordable “Band B” tariff, which it believes is within its financial capacity.

UNILAG further revealed that just two weeks after a meeting with EKEDC, it received a bill of nearly half a billion naira (N472 million) for July, further increasing its debt. Although the university managed to pay N180 million on August 20, EKEDC proceeded with the disconnection a week later.

In response to the power outage, the university management urged calm within the campus community, announcing plans to ration power supply across the campus until further notice. A schedule will be released to help the community plan accordingly.