The Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) has triggered widespread reactions after posting a controversial message on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle. On Thursday morning, BEDC publicly cursed those vandalizing transformers and tampering with electricity meters.
The post, written in Nigerian Pidgin, stated, “E no go beta for who dey vandalize transformer and who dey bypass.”
While the message aimed to address electricity theft and vandalism, its tone has sparked criticism from netizens, who described it as unprofessional.
One user, @iamkissking, called out BEDC for the statement, saying, “As you talk am e good. E NOR GO BETTER FOR UNA CAUSE NA WE DEY USE OUR MONEY FIX TRANSFORMER FOR THIS SIDE.” Another user, @DatNaijaGuy1, supported the criticism, highlighting issues with prepaid meters: “Transformers una no dey buy, even cable kpa-kpa una no dey buy. Prepaid metre wey una suppose give customers, una go dey sell am at exorbitant prices. Light we no dey see but una must still collect money. How life wan take better for una?”
The backlash continued with @deluxe_k, who tweeted, “Amen … same applies to who does not give light but keeps increasing tariff.”
Some commenters accused BEDC of failing to provide basic services while still charging high fees. A frustrated user, @WajufisGm, wrote, “May misfortune be the portion of distribution company wey dey service most part of Ondo state but refuse to provide light for 24hrs in a week for majority of the people. May the company perish!”
Others questioned the company’s right to curse customers when, according to them, BEDC’s performance has been subpar. @edin_sparkle tweeted, “If person won even swear, shey na you suppose Dey swear? Your poor performance in Oye-Ikole axis is a result of swears you guys don use head pack.”
Many of the complaints centered on the alleged lack of investment by BEDC in critical infrastructure like transformers, cables, and prepaid meters.
The controversy is not new. BEDC, responsible for electricity distribution in Delta, Edo, Ekiti, and Ondo states, has faced public criticism and protests in recent years.
In April 2024, over 20,000 Edo residents petitioned the House of Representatives after enduring a nine-month power outage. Similarly, in July 2024, Ondo residents staged protests over BEDC’s prolonged failure to restore power in their communities.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) recently issued new penalties for meter tampering and electricity theft. According to an order released on January 22, 2025, first-time offenders using single-phase meters will be fined ₦100,000, with repeat offenders paying ₦150,000. Three-phase meter violators will pay ₦200,000 initially, rising to ₦300,000 for subsequent offences.
NERC also introduced harsh fines for maximum demand users, who will pay 450% of their last bill for a first offence and 600% for repeat cases.
The measures, NERC says, are designed to curb illegal connections and ensure fair metering. However, many Nigerians believe that unless electricity distribution improves, vandalism and bypassing will remain widespread.
As BEDC’s controversial curse continues to trend, one thing is clear—Nigeria’s electricity crisis remains a source of deep frustration for citizens.
