By Usman Umar
Frustrated by years of erratic electricity, residents of the Shinko community in Jimeta, Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa State, stormed the premises of the Jimeta Business Unit of the Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) this week in a bold protest against what they described as the company’s epileptic power supply.
The protest, marked by passionate chants and placards, compelled YEDC officials to engage in a crucial dialogue with community representatives—culminating in a formal agreement to improve electricity supply and billing transparency.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the agreement was signed on April 24, 2025 the Business Manager of YEDC, Mrs. Maryam Gabdo, stated that the company would now bill the community strictly based on actual consumption. She reassured residents that the company was committed to fair and affordable energy delivery.
“We will meter the community accurately and ensure they are only billed for what they consume. This agreement is a step forward for both YEDC and the residents,” Mrs. Gabdo affirmed.
The agreement outlines several critical commitments:
Installation of Bulk Meters: YEDC will install bulk meters on all 15 distribution transformers within the Shinko community.
Fair Energy Distribution: Electricity usage will be equitably shared among connected customers.
Minimum Supply Guarantee: The company pledges to provide a minimum of six hours of electricity daily, barring technical faults or national grid disruptions.
Bill Payment and Monitoring: The community has agreed to pay for their energy consumption promptly. Meter readings will be jointly conducted by designated community representatives and YEDC staff.
Crackdown on Energy Theft: Residents have vowed to support YEDC in identifying and disconnecting illegal connections.
The agreement will remain valid only if community members uphold their end of the deal, particularly with timely bill payments. Any consistent breach may lead to a review or termination of the accord.
Speaking on behalf of the residents, protest leader Hon. Mustafa Garba expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that the community is now hopeful about the restoration of reliable power supply.
“We are convinced that this agreement will bring much-needed change. I urge all residents to support YEDC and ensure the success of this partnership,” he said. “I also call on the company to honour their commitments so that misunderstandings and conflict can be permanently avoided.”
The Shinko protest may well mark a turning point in community-company relations—proof that when citizens raise their voices together, even power giants are forced to listen.
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