Youths in Sagamu, Ogun State, have formally petitioned the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) over chronic power shortages, demanding an immediate upgrade to the town’s electricity feeder classification and a stakeholder dialogue to address the crisis.
The petition, submitted under the auspices of the Sagamu Youth Association (SYA) on Wednesday, criticises the persistent inadequate power allocation from IBEDC, which the youths say is crippling local commerce and academic activities. In a letter addressed to the IBEDC managing director, Comrade Bashiru Adewale, chairman of SYA’s committee on electrical issues, highlighted that the town’s primary 11KVA feeder is currently classified under “Band E”—the lowest priority tier in the national grid load-shedding schedule.
This classification, the letter states, guarantees residents and businesses only minimal hours of daily electricity. The resulting instability has severely impacted small and medium-scale enterprises, forced artisans and business owners to rely on costly alternative power sources, and disrupted students’ studies. The association argues that the current Band E status is no longer sustainable for Sagamu, a significant commercial hub in Ogun State.
The youths are requesting a tentative upgrade of the feeder to “Band C,” which would provide a substantially higher number of guaranteed supply hours. They propose this as an interim measure while IBEDC undertakes necessary technical work and transformer upgrades. “Over time, residents and business owners have continued to experience inadequate power supply, particularly under the present Band E classification… This has significantly affected economic activities, small and medium-scale enterprises, students, artisans, and the general well-being of our people,” the letter reads, adding that the upgrade would offer critical relief and help stabilise the local socio-economy.
Furthermore, SYA has extended a formal invitation to IBEDC officials for a town hall meeting with Sagamu stakeholders and electricity consumers. The association states the forum aims to foster open dialogue, clarify operational challenges, and collaboratively explore sustainable solutions. They have assured the company of maximum security and proper coordination for the meeting, expressing confidence that proactive engagement can strengthen the relationship between the distributor and the community.
The petition underscores growing community frustration with power distribution in parts of Ogun State and highlights the direct link between reliable electricity and economic vitality. The requested feeder upgrade and town hall represent a two-pronged approach seeking both immediate operational relief and a long-term strategic partnership with IBEDC. The outcome of this engagement is anticipated to set a precedent for community-driven advocacy in Nigeria’s electricity distribution sector.
