The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has disconnected the Obafemi Awolowo Train Station in Moniya, Ibadan, Oyo State, due to unpaid electricity bills.
In multiple updates shared via its official channels, The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company revealed that the Moniya 33kV feeder, which supplies power to the train station, was cut off last month over outstanding debts. As of the time of this report, the station remains without grid electricity.
Sources indicate that the train station was migrated to Band A last year, resulting in a surge of over 200% in its monthly electricity bill. This may have contributed to the accumulation of unpaid charges. IBEDC has previously taken similar actions against government-owned facilities, including the University College Hospital (UCH) and the Liberty Stadium in Ibadan, over similar issues.
The disconnection is seen as part of a broader push by electricity distribution companies to recover debts owed by federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). In its recent update on service delivery, IBEDC stated:
“We sincerely apologise for our inability to deliver the estimated hours of supply on your feeder. This was due to a TCN forced outage, TCN load shedding, IBEDC forced and planned outages, earth and overcurrent faults, as well as a disconnection due to non-payment. Kindly note that the mentioned feeders have been restored, except the Moniya Railway 33kV feeder, which is still out on disconnection for non-payment.”
When contacted, IBEDC’s Coordinating Head of Corporate Services, Mrs Angela Olanrewaju, confirmed the disconnection but declined to disclose the specific amount owed.
“We can confirm that the Moniya Train Station was disconnected due to non-payment, and it is an issue we have been engaging them on towards an amicable resolution. However, we cannot release details of the customer’s financial dealings without written consent, in compliance with legal requirements,” she said.
Efforts to get a response from the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) were unsuccessful as of press time. When reached by phone, the NRC’s Deputy Director of Public Relations, Yakub Mahmood, said he would investigate the matter and respond, but no feedback had been received as of the filing of this report.
The Obafemi Awolowo Train Station, a key terminal on the Lagos–Ibadan standard gauge railway, was inaugurated in June 2021 and renamed after the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo by former President Muhammadu Buhari. The station plays a critical role in connecting passengers between Lagos, Abeokuta, and Ibadan, and features modern facilities such as ticketing counters, waiting lounges, restrooms, security screening areas, and parking.
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The ongoing power disconnection could significantly hamper the station’s operations and disrupt rail services along the corridor.
