By Suleiman Yakubu

The Executive Chairman of Chanchaga Local Government Area in Niger State, Hon. Aminu Yakubu Ladan, has voiced his concerns over the increasing cases of estimated billing by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), describing it as a significant financial strain on households.
Estimated billing is a practice used by Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) to charge consumers based on projected usage rather than actual consumption. This method has faced widespread criticism from residents of Minna and surrounding areas, including the Council Chairman, who argues that it often results in inflated bills that do not accurately reflect actual electricity usage.
In an interview, Hon. Ladan revealed that his household’s monthly bill has surged to over N100,000. He described this increase as outrageous and exploitative, calling on AEDC management to review or regulate the practice to eliminate estimated billing.
He questioned how other residents could cope with such inflated bills if his household, as the Chief Security Officer of the local government, is subjected to such charges. Hon. Ladan emphasized that this unrealistic billing is adversely affecting businesses and households, especially given the current economic situation.
Furthermore, he disclosed that AEDC owes the local government a significant amount of money and has failed to make payments. He warned that this ongoing issue could further strain the already frosty relationship between the company and the local government council.
“If the estimated billing continues, the council will have no option but to resort to legal action to seek justice and revert to the old tariff,” he stated.

By Suleiman Yakubu

The Niger State House of Assembly has commenced discussions on the proposed budget for 2025, presented by Governor Mohammed Umar Bago during a plenary session held today in the Assembly chambers.
This session marks the beginning of critical deliberations on the 2025 Appropriation Bill, introduced by the Majority Leader, Hon. Idris Musa Vatsa, representing the Lapai constituency. The budget presentation is a vital step in the legislative process, setting the financial framework for the state’s activities in the coming year.
During the plenary session, Speaker Rt. Hon. Barr. Abdulmalik Mohammed Sarkin-Daji urged all lawmakers to engage actively in the budget discussions. He emphasised the importance of collaborative input from all members to ensure the budget aligns with the needs and expectations of their constituents.
Following a constructive exchange of ideas and suggestions from various members, the Speaker announced that the budget would be referred to the House Committee on Appropriation for further examination and legislative action.
Chairing the House Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Ismaila Zubairu, representing the Rafi constituency, assured the Assembly and the public that the committee would conduct a thorough and meticulous review of the budget estimates. He highlighted the committee’s commitment to transparency and accountability, stressing that they would carefully analyse all proposed expenditures to ensure they align with the state’s priorities.
Furthermore, the Speaker reiterated the 10th Legislature’s dedication to ensuring that a significant portion of the budget is allocated to essential sectors. He underscored the focus on infrastructural development as a key component of the budget, aimed at improving the socio-economic well-being of the people in Niger State. The speaker conveyed optimism that strategic investment in infrastructure would lead to positive outcomes, including job creation and enhanced living standards for the citizens.
As the House continues its deliberations on the 2025 budget, stakeholders and residents of Niger State are encouraged to stay informed about the progress and provide their input for a budget that truly reflects the needs of the community.