Residents of Wuse, Garki and the Central Business District (CBD) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have called on Abuja Electricity Distribution Company Plc (AEDC) to make its night-time electricity theft inspections safer and more transparent, while supporting efforts to protect the power distribution network.
The residents expressed their concerns during interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja, following reports of night inspections targeting alleged meter bypasses, illegal connections and other forms of electricity theft.
Their message presents an important balance: electricity theft must be tackled, but customers also deserve security, privacy and confidence in the officials entering their communities.
Mr Auwal Tanko, a resident of the CBD, said he supported AEDC’s efforts to prevent electricity theft and meter tampering. However, he warned that enforcement activities at night could raise security concerns and create unnecessary tension between residents and field personnel.
Similarly, Mrs Deborah Wilson of Wuse urged AEDC to conduct inspections during daytime hours wherever possible. She explained that daytime operations would make it easier for residents to identify authorised personnel and verify their identities before allowing them into residential premises.
Wilson also recommended that customers receive advance notification of planned meter-bypass checks where necessary.
“The enforcement should balance the need to curb electricity theft with the safety and privacy of consumers,” she said, urging AEDC teams to operate transparently and in accordance with established regulations.
Mr James Obiakwu, a Garki resident, called for stronger engagement between AEDC and local communities. He said clearly communicated inspection procedures would help residents distinguish legitimate enforcement teams from individuals attempting to gain unauthorised access to their homes.
Adding a technology-focused perspective, customer experience expert Dr Aliyu Ilias urged AEDC to explore less intrusive methods of detecting electricity theft.
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Ilias acknowledged that meter bypasses and other forms of electricity theft should not be condoned, but argued that technological solutions could help identify suspected violations without unnecessary intrusion into private premises.
He cited vehicle-registration checks by road safety officials as an example of how technology can reduce the need for physical inspections.
Ilias also recounted an incident in which AEDC personnel entered his office and inspected its prepaid meter before apologising after discovering no bypass. He said an apology alone was insufficient and encouraged the company to develop systems that could detect suspected meter tampering from outside buildings or through other appropriate means.
Responding to the concerns, Mr Omede Odekina, AEDC’s Head of Brand Marketing and Corporate Communications, explained that the company operates a 24-hour electricity distribution network and customer service system.
He said enforcement activities were not restricted to daytime because energy theft, illegal connections and meter bypasses often occur under the cover of darkness.
According to Odekina, such offences can undermine the electricity network and affect the quality and reliability of supply for customers who comply with the rules.
He nevertheless stressed that authorised AEDC personnel must properly identify themselves and conduct inspections professionally, following approved procedures.
Odekina encouraged customers who question the identity or conduct of field personnel to contact AEDC through its official customer service channels for verification and appropriate action.
He also called on media organisations to help educate the public about the consequences and legal implications of electricity theft, vandalism and meter bypasses.
The discussions highlight an opportunity for AEDC and communities to work together towards a safer and more reliable electricity system. Improved communication, transparent procedures and appropriate technology could help the company tackle electricity theft while strengthening public trust and protecting consumers’ privacy.
