The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC, has confirmed it has disconnected the Obafemi Awolowo Train Station in Moniya, Ibadan, Oyo State, due to non-payment of electricity bills.
According to different posts by IBEDC, the Moniya 33kV feeder supplying electricity to the train station was disconnected over unpaid debts.
Report gathered that the train station was disconnected last month and has since remained without a power supply from the grid as of the time of this report.
It was gathered that the train station was migrated to Band A last year, and this raised its bill by over 200 per cent. IBEDC once cut off the University College Hospital in Ibadan as well as the Liberty Stadium over unpaid bills.
The disconnection of the Moniya Train Station under the Nigerian Railway Corporation might be a major step taken by Discos to recover the debts owed by ministries, departments, and agencies of the government.
In several posts, IBEDC disclosed that the Moniya 33kV feeder supplying electricity to the Moniya Train Station was “still out on disconnection for non-payment.”
While giving an update about its Band A feeders with unmet hours of service delivery on Tuesday, the Disco said, “We sincerely apologise for our inability to deliver the estimated hours of supply on your feeder. This was due to a TCN forced outage, TCN load shedding, IBEDC forced and planned outages, earth and overcurrent faults, as well as a disconnection due to non-payment. Kindly note that the mentioned feeders have been restored, except the Moniya Railway 33kV feeder, which is still out on disconnection for non-payment.”
Contacted, IBEDC Coordinating Head of Corporate Services, Mrs Angela Olanrewaju, confirmed the development to our correspondent on Wednesday.
Responding to an inquiry from The PUNCH, Olanrewaju, who declined comments on the total amount owed by the train station, said the power company had been engaging the management of the train station for an amicable resolution.
“We can confirm that the Moniya Train Station was disconnected due to non-payment, and it is an issue we have been engaging them on towards an amicable resolution. As per the amount of their indebtedness, we apologise that we will be unable to provide details as to the customer’s financial dealings with us, without their written approval, in line with extant laws,” she said in a brief response.
Punch also contacted the Nigerian Railway Corporation for its reaction to the disconnection. However, the corporation’s Deputy Director of Public Relations, Yakub Mahmood, said he would find out and revert.
“I will find out and feed you back,” he said in a phone conversation. He has yet to do so at the time of filing this report.
The Obafemi Awolowo Train Station is a major railway terminal located in Moniya, Ibadan, Oyo State. It serves as a key stop on the Lagos–Ibadan standard gauge railway line, which was inaugurated in June 2021 as part of the Federal Government’s push to modernise Nigeria’s rail infrastructure.
The station was named in honour of the Late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a former Premier of the Western Region, by former President Muhammadu Buhari. Originally known as the Moniya Train Station, the facility has become a major hub for passenger movement between Lagos, Abeokuta, and Ibadan.
It is operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation and features a modern terminal building with amenities including ticketing booths, waiting areas, restrooms, security screening points, and parking facilities.
The disconnection of the facility from the power grid may pose a threat to its effective operations.