IBEDC Disconnects Power Supply to Moniya Train Station Over Unpaid Electricity Bills

The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has cut off the power supply to the Obafemi Awolowo Train Station in Moniya, Ibadan, Oyo State, citing non-payment of electricity bills. The disconnection, which occurred last month, has left the critical railway terminal without electricity, raising concerns about the implications for the station’s operations and passenger services.

The Moniya Train Station, operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), is a key hub on the Lagos–Ibadan standard gauge railway line. The modern facility, renamed in honour of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, has been without power from the national grid since the disconnection, according to multiple reports from IBEDC.

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IBEDC revealed via a series of posts that the 33kV Moniya feeder, which supplies electricity to the train station, remains “out on disconnection for non-payment.” This feeder had previously served the station without interruption, but with the migration of the facility to Band A in 2023—a tariff classification meant for customers receiving 20 hours or more of power daily—the cost of electricity increased by more than 200 percent.

This shift appears to have placed financial strain on the station’s management, leading to unpaid bills and, ultimately, disconnection. Band A customers are expected to pay premium tariffs in exchange for more consistent power supply, but it also means significant monthly costs.

In a statement made available to The PUNCH, Mrs. Angela Olanrewaju, IBEDC’s Coordinating Head of Corporate Services, confirmed the disconnection. She stated that while the company is in ongoing discussions with the NRC to resolve the issue, it could not disclose the amount owed without formal approval.

“We can confirm that the Moniya Train Station was disconnected due to non-payment,” Olanrewaju said. “As per the amount of their indebtedness, we apologise that we will be unable to provide details as to the customer’s financial dealings with us, without their written approval, in line with extant laws.”

IBEDC further highlighted in a recent update on its Band A feeders that while most feeders had been restored following outages, the Moniya Railway 33kV feeder remained off due to the disconnection. Other contributing issues cited included TCN (Transmission Company of Nigeria) load shedding and outages, both forced and planned.

Train Station Operations at Risk Amid Power Cut

The Obafemi Awolowo Train Station, one of the most prominent stops on Nigeria’s modern railway corridor, was inaugurated in June 2021 as part of the Federal Government’s rail transformation agenda. It was built to enhance commuter mobility and ease travel along the Lagos-Ibadan corridor, a key economic route in southwest Nigeria.

The station is equipped with modern infrastructure including security checkpoints, ticketing offices, waiting lounges, restrooms, and parking spaces. However, the lack of power supply now threatens the functionality of these amenities, potentially disrupting passenger services and station operations.

Security systems, electronic ticketing, lighting, and ventilation are all dependent on electricity, and a prolonged outage could affect safety and efficiency at the terminal. Commuters may also be discouraged by declining service quality, especially given the station’s high-profile status.

The NRC’s Deputy Director of Public Relations, Yakub Mahmood, said in a phone interview that he was not yet aware of the situation but would investigate and provide feedback. As of the time of this report, no official response had been received from the NRC.

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The disconnection at the Moniya Train Station is part of a broader trend by electricity distribution companies to recover outstanding debts from government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). IBEDC has previously taken similar action against prominent institutions such as the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan and the Liberty Stadium, also in Oyo State.

While these measures are designed to enforce accountability and financial discipline, they also expose systemic issues in budget management and utility payments within public institutions. Analysts warn that unless these issues are addressed through better fiscal oversight and inter-agency collaboration, such disconnections could become more frequent and disruptive.

As Nigeria grapples with energy sector reforms, including the push toward cost-reflective tariffs and decentralised power, the friction between public utility providers and government-owned facilities underscores the urgent need for more sustainable and transparent financial practices.

For now, the lights remain off at Moniya’s landmark station, and until an agreement is reached, the ripple effects may extend beyond the train tracks—into the wider debate about public accountability and infrastructure sustainability.