The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has disconnected power supply to the Nigerian Railway Corporation’s (NRC) Ibadan train station over unpaid electricity bills running into several months.
The disconnection, which occurred earlier this week, has disrupted operations at the station, including ticketing services, lighting, and administrative activities, sparking concern among passengers and staff.
Sources within IBEDC confirmed the action on Wednesday, stating that the move followed multiple notices and failed negotiations with the station’s management.
“We were left with no option after repeated demands for payment went unheeded,” an IBEDC official said under anonymity. “We are committed to service delivery, but we must also ensure that customers meet their obligations.”
The exact amount owed by the train station has not been disclosed, but insiders say it spans several billing cycles and may run into millions of naira.
Passengers have expressed frustration over the situation, especially as the Ibadan station is a key hub along the Lagos–Ibadan standard-gauge rail corridor.
“This is embarrassing for a national facility of this importance,” said Taiwo Adelakun, a regular commuter. “They should have settled their bills long before it got to this point.”
Efforts to reach the NRC’s regional office for comment were unsuccessful as of press time, but staff at the station say management is in talks with IBEDC to resolve the issue and restore power as soon as possible.
This incident adds to a growing list of public institutions facing disconnections from service providers over unpaid debts, raising questions about budgeting, accountability, and maintenance of federal infrastructure.
