Civil society groups in Niger State have issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and the Niger Electricity Distribution Company (NEDC), warning that they will embark on a peaceful mass mobilisation if persistent power outages and exploitative billing practices are not urgently addressed.
The protest, scheduled for March 3, 2026, in Minna, is being convened by Capacity Media Trust Radio – Human Rights Radio and led by Comrade Lanre Sadiq Ishaq, Chairman of the Niger State Civil Society Organisations.
The mobilisation also involves members of the Nigerian Bar Association and organised labour groups in the state.
At the heart of the agitation are complaints about erratic electricity supply, delayed prepaid meter installations, and poor infrastructure maintenance.
The groups are demanding the immediate suspension of estimated billing until electricity supply is stabilised, prompt restoration of power during outages, and equitable distribution of electricity across all communities.
They are also calling for the installation of prepaid meters to promote transparency and consumer control, as well as full responsibility by the distribution companies for transformer repairs, infrastructure replacement, and maintenance, without transferring costs to customers.
“We cannot continue to pay for darkness. If there is no light, there should be no bill. Electricity is not a privilege but a basic service that citizens are entitled to. The people of Niger State deserve stable supply, prepaid meters, transparent communication, and an end to exploitative billing,” the statement read.
“Participants are expected to carry placards and banners under the theme, ‘No Light, No Bill,’ as they peacefully demand fairness, accountability, and reliable power supply,” it added.
The organisers emphasised that the protest would be lawful and peaceful, calling on security agencies to provide adequate protection for participants.
Civil society groups give seven-day ultimatum to AEDC, NEDC over persistent blackouts in Niger
Civil society groups give seven-day ultimatum to AEDC, NEDC over persistent blackouts in Niger