Residents of several neighborhoods in Benin City took to the streets on Tuesday to protest prolonged power outages that they say have lasted for weeks without clear explanations.
Areas affected include parts of Ikpoba Hill, Siluko Road, and GRA axis, where residents complain that electricity supply has been erratic or completely unavailable despite regular billing. Protesters blocked minor roads and carried placards demanding immediate intervention from electricity distribution companies and government authorities.
Small business owners say the outages have crippled operations, forcing them to rely heavily on generators amid soaring fuel costs. Cold-room operators, hairdressers, and food vendors report significant losses, with some saying they are on the verge of shutting down.
Residents also expressed frustration over estimated billing, claiming they are charged for power they do not receive. Calls are growing for transparent metering and improved infrastructure to address recurring faults.
The electricity distribution company acknowledged the complaints, citing equipment failures and load management challenges, while promising repairs. Protesters insist that promises are no longer enough, calling for concrete timelines and accountability.
