Kaduna Electric Imposes Debt Bondage on Prepaid Customers
- Published on January 9, 2026
- By Bashir Abdulraheem
A new and dangerous form of modern-day economic enslavement is unfolding under Kaduna Electric, and thousands of ordinary Nigerians are bearing the brunt.
Across Kaduna State, prepaid electricity customers have woken up to find their meter accounts plunged into shocking debts—ranging from ₦20,000 to as high as ₦2,000,000—without warning, explanation, verification, or consent, all labeled as “accrued outstanding debts.” Overnight, families and small businesses have been thrown into darkness, unable to purchase electricity unless they submit to forced monthly repayments of ₦3,000 to ₦30,000 for up to 60 months.
Even more distressing, online token purchases have been deliberately suspended, forcing affected customers to physically visit Kaduna Electric offices, where electricity tokens are only sold after payment of the imposed monthly deduction. This practice is coercive, humiliating, and deeply punitive.
This policy was implemented without prior notice, customer engagement, or any fair dispute-resolution process, worsening hardship in an already fragile economy and crippling livelihoods that depend on electricity to survive.
This situation is particularly painful and disappointing, especially in light of the “Renewed Hope” agenda of Mr. President, which endeared millions of Nigerians to him during the last election on the promise of relief, fairness, and a better quality of life for ordinary citizens.
We urgently call on the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), consumer protection agencies, civil society organizations, and the media to intervene immediately and halt this arbitrary and oppressive action.
If allowed to continue, this injustice will deepen public suffering and seriously damage trust in governance at both state and federal levels, particularly as the 2027 elections approach.
Electricity is a basic necessity—not a tool of punishment.
Nigerians deserve justice, transparency, and dignity.
Alhaji Bashir Abdulraheem, Concerned and affected customer
