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The Bodija Estate Residents Association (BERA) is urging the Minister of Power to take immediate action to address the ongoing electricity shortage affecting Old and New Bodija, Basorun, Iwo Road, Oje, Mokola, and nearby parts of Ibadan.

Speaking to reporters in Ibadan on Thursday, the head of the association, Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, voiced significant disappointment regarding what he called years of oversight and poor performance by power officials, calling on the Federal Government to focus on the urgent installation of the new 100MVA transformer that has been brought to the area by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

He stated that Bodija, founded in 1959 by the Western Nigeria Housing Corporation during Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s government, was previously a prime example of urban design and structured living.

He, however, mentioned that the estate and nearby regions are currently facing a severe power shortage, which has disturbed daily life and hindered local businesses.

For more than five years, our community has faced inconsistent and unstable electricity, with power cuts occasionally extending for several weeks.

“We are covering the cost of services we aren’t receiving, and the circumstances have become intolerable for both residents and business owners,” Pastor Bamgbose expressed.

Even though Bodija was originally categorized under Band A, which ensures at least 20 hours of daily power supply, locals claimed they have never experienced this level of reliability, even though they pay increased rates.

After the Federal Government’s tariff review in April 2024, which increased Band A charges to N225 per kWh, the community was subsequently moved to Band B, offering 16 hours of electricity supply daily — a goal that, as stated by BERA, has also not been achieved.

At present, Bodija and nearby areas rely on a 40MVA transformer operated by TCN, which has been characterized as severely overburdened and insufficient to meet the increasing power requirements of the region.

Meanwhile, an insider from the energy sector verified that a 100MVA transformer has already arrived at the location, pending installation.

“Once it becomes functional, it is anticipated to greatly enhance the supply and possibly bring Bodija and its surrounding areas back to Band A status, providing up to 20 hours of electricity each day,” stated the source.

Pastor Bamgbose, therefore, urged the Minister of Power and the Federal Government to speed up the installation process by the end of December 2025, emphasizing that this action would improve the lives of thousands of residents and boost local economic activity.

“This one action will not only bring back dependable electricity but also reinforce the government’s dedication to fair energy distribution and long-term community growth,” he added.

The group argued that restoring a reliable electricity supply would help restore Bodija’s historical significance as Nigeria’s first planned residential area and a representation of organized city life, which should not remain in the dark.