Nigeria’s largest power distribution company, Ikeja Electric’s message to subscribers on bail payment during COVID-19-induced lockdown has sparked outrage on social media.
Based in Ikeja, the capital of Lagos State, the company services more than 700,000 customers mainly in Lagos and Ogun states.
Taking to Twitter on Monday, April 27, the company wrote: “Electricity is NOT free! Not even during the lockdown. Please PAY your bills to enjoy power supply.”
Ikeja Electric also provided channels for subscribers to make necessary payments.
See tweet:
Electricity is NOT free!
Not even during the lockdown.
Please PAY your bills to enjoy power supply.#IECares #CustomerFirst #StaySafe pic.twitter.com/9mwqMyhUTp
— Ikeja Electric (@IkejaElectric) April 27, 2020
However, many Nigerians that reacted to the tweet described it as “insensitive”, especially coming at a time that many are struggling to survive harsh economic realities occasioned by the lockdown.
Reacting, @Danny_Walterr wrote, “This is so rude and insensitive.”
Another commenter, @Abeskyakasmith tweeted, “How (can) we pay our bills when people can’t feed properly, this country is just a scam.”
Similarly, Ugochukwu Eze Nnunu said, “People don’t have money to feed and you are talking of paying for light,you people though.”
An angry Oluwafemi stated, “Whosever is in charge of this handle is dumb. What a very rude way to pass a message as if we even get to use the light for 24hrs despite d monthly payment.”
An Ikeja Electric customer, @Darmeiy wrote, “We know it’s not free but you keep giving us crazy bills”.
Another customer, @EarlofLagos tweeted, “Can this be the reason why power-supply have been shitty lately?”
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