Akwanga Residents Decry Worsening Power Crisis, Accuse PHCN of Neglect and Exploitation
Akwanga Residents Decry Worsening Power Crisis, Accuse PHCN of Neglect and Exploitation
TEC News|Nasarawa|16th November, 2025.
Communities across Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State have raised serious concerns over what they describe as worsening power outages and gross neglect by officials of the Power Holding Company.
Residents of Angwan Pandon, one of the most affected areas, told TEC News that electricity supply has deteriorated sharply in recent months. Once known for enjoying nearly 24-hour power, the community now receives between 10 to 14 hours per day, on the few days when power is available at all.
A resident who spoke anonymously said,
“We were enjoying 24 hours of light before, but suddenly it dropped. Some days we don’t see light at all. At one point, we stayed almost two months without power and nobody told us anything.”
Another resident added that despite having several media outlets in Akwanga and Nasarawa State, including Option Radio, TEC News, NBS and active Social Media Groups, the Power Company frequently disconnects or disrupts supply without prior notice.
“They do what they like. No information, no explanation. We only hear rumours. some say thunder struck the transformer, others say it was vandalized,” he said.
Residents around the former Dantsoho Fuel Station also lamented prolonged darkness that has forced shops to close early and caused damage to food items stored in refrigerators due to unstable power.
Peter Alaku, a resident of the Light House axis under Angwan Pandon Community, accused the power company of unfair billing practices. According to him, the community was downgraded from Band A to Band C in terms of power supply but still receives the same or even higher electricity bills.
“They reduced our power supply but didn’t reduce the bills. They still bring outrageous flat-rate bills, sometimes over ₦30,000 – #50,000 per household or shops. That is exploitation,” he said.
Many residents appealed to Governor Abdullahi Sule to intervene, stressing that Akwanga plays a strategic role in the state’s socio-economic landscape.
Speaking to TEC News, Abimiku Andrew emphasized the importance of the area:
“Government should know that Akwanga is the center of Nasarawa State. It is the major transit route to the North-West, North-East, and even parts of the East. Investors cannot come if power remains a major problem. Roads are being constructed and we are grateful, but power must also be fixed.”
A source at the Akwanga power office attributed the recent outage in Angwan Pandon to a thunder strike that allegedly damaged the transformer. Officials, however, have not released any formal statement as of press time.
Residents insist that unless urgent action is taken, the power situation may worsen and continue crippling economic activities across Akwanga and surrounding communities. The Governor, Engr Abdullahi Sule is been eyed for swift response over the matter as the youth grumble in response to the situation they consider frustrating.
