Outrage as Nigerian Power Company PHCN Continues to Extort Communities Over Transformer Repairs
A frustrated Nigerian man has taken to social media to air his grievances against the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), accusing them of blatant extortion.
According to the man, PHCN has been forcing communities across the country to bear the financial burden of repairing damaged transformers, despite the company having a designated maintenance budget for such issues.
The Endless Cycle of Extortion
The man, whose identity remains anonymous, shared his ordeal, pointing out that whenever a transformer in his community breaks down, PHCN officials demand that residents pool their money together to cover the cost of repairs. This has become a recurring pattern, with no transparency on how these funds are utilized. The man questioned the legitimacy of these demands, arguing that it is unfair for communities to shoulder such expenses when PHCN should be responsible for maintaining their own equipment.
He emphasized that these repair costs often run into hundreds of thousands, or even millions of naira, a sum that many struggling families cannot afford. The man expressed frustration, stating that the constant financial strain is pushing communities to their breaking point. “We are already paying exorbitant electricity bills, yet PHCN still expects us to pay for transformer repairs. What exactly is their maintenance budget used for?” he asked.
Comparison with Telecom Companies: A Stark Contrast
In his rant, the man drew a comparison between PHCN’s practices and those of telecommunications companies operating in Nigeria. He pointed out that when a telecommunications mast is damaged, the companies take full responsibility for repairs, without demanding a single kobo from the affected community.
“The telecom companies in this country maintain their masts without asking the community to contribute a dime. So why can’t PHCN do the same with their transformers? It’s clear that they are taking advantage of us, and it’s unacceptable!” he lamented.
A Call for Accountability and Reform
The man’s outcry reflects a growing sentiment among Nigerians who feel that PHCN is exploiting its position of power. He called for greater accountability from the power company, urging them to stop extorting money from communities and to fulfill their obligations of maintaining electrical infrastructure.
His message has since gone viral, with many Nigerians expressing their own frustrations and echoing his demands for reform. The issue has reignited the debate over the need for a more transparent and efficient power sector in Nigeria, one that truly serves the interests of the people.
Reactions
As more voices join the conversation, there is hope that this public outcry will lead to meaningful changes in how PHCN operates and handles maintenance issues.
For now, however, communities across Nigeria continue to bear the brunt of an unjust system, with the burden of keeping the lights on resting squarely on their shoulders.
