Table of Contents
Table of Contents
- Critical Appeal for Power Ministry Action Amid Bodija’s Enduring Electricity Challenges
- Community Plea for Rapid Resolution of Power Shortages in Ibadan Neighborhoods
- Bodija Estate: A Historical Hub Now Facing Electricity Deficits
- From Promised Power Reliability to Lengthy Blackouts
- Overburdened Infrastructure and the Anticipated Transformer Upgrade
- Urgent Community Call for Government Intervention
- Restoring Bodija’s Urban Legacy Through Consistent Electricity
- Power Stability as a Driver of Economic and Social Progress
Critical Appeal for Power Ministry Action Amid Bodija’s Enduring Electricity Challenges
Community Plea for Rapid Resolution of Power Shortages in Ibadan Neighborhoods
The Bodija Estate Residents Association (BERA) has made an urgent plea to the Nigerian Minister of Power to intervene in the persistent electricity shortages plaguing Old and New Bodija, Basorun, Iwo Road, Oje, Mokola, and adjacent areas within Ibadan. These ongoing power interruptions have severely disrupted everyday life and hindered economic activities across these communities.
Bodija Estate: A Historical Hub Now Facing Electricity Deficits
In a press briefing held in Ibadan, Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, President of BERA, recounted the estate’s distinguished origins. Established in 1959 by the Western Nigeria Housing Corporation under Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s administration, Bodija was once celebrated as a model of exemplary urban planning. Decades later, however, the estate and its environs are grappling with severe power shortages that have disrupted social life and stifled local commerce.
From Promised Power Reliability to Lengthy Blackouts
“Our community has endured erratic and unreliable electricity for over five years, with outages sometimes lasting several weeks,” lamented Pastor Bamgbose. Despite paying for electricity services, residents and businesses frequently experience inadequate supply, fueling widespread frustration.
Originally, Bodija was classified under Band A, which guaranteed a minimum of 20 hours of daily electricity. Despite this premium classification and the associated higher tariffs, consistent power delivery has remained elusive. Following the Federal Government’s tariff revision in April 2024, which raised Band A rates to N225 per kWh, Bodija was reclassified to Band B, promising 16 hours of daily power-a commitment that BERA reports has yet to be fulfilled.
Overburdened Infrastructure and the Anticipated Transformer Upgrade
Currently, the community depends on a 40MVA transformer managed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), which is overwhelmed by the increasing electricity demand from a growing population. This strain has resulted in frequent outages and insufficient power supply.
Reliable sources within the power sector have confirmed that a 100MVA transformer has been delivered to the site and is pending installation. Once operational, this upgrade is expected to substantially improve electricity availability, potentially restoring Bodija and its neighboring districts to Band A status with up to 20 hours of daily power.
Urgent Community Call for Government Intervention
Pastor Bamgbose has called on the Minister of Power and the Federal Government to expedite the installation of the new transformer before December 2025. He stressed that this critical upgrade would not only stabilize power supply but also revitalize local businesses and enhance residents’ quality of life.
“This essential infrastructure improvement will reflect the government’s commitment to equitable power distribution and sustainable urban development,” he affirmed.
Restoring Bodija’s Urban Legacy Through Consistent Electricity
BERA emphasizes that reinstating reliable power is vital to reclaiming Bodija’s reputation as Nigeria’s pioneering planned residential estate and a benchmark for orderly urban living. The association warns that without swift action, the community faces further decline and prolonged hardship.
Stable electricity supply is fundamental to fostering economic development and improving social welfare. Recent statistics from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) reveal that regions with dependable power experience up to a 30% increase in business productivity and enhanced household well-being. The commissioning of the 100MVA transformer in Bodija could act as a catalyst for similar advancements, setting a valuable example for other underserved urban centers across Nigeria.
