The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has disconnected the Obafemi Awolowo Train Station in Moniya, Ibadan, Oyo State, from the national grid over non-payment of electricity bills.
The facility has remained without public power supply since its disconnection last month.
According to official updates shared by IBEDC, the 33kV feeder supplying electricity to the train station was cut off following prolonged non-settlement of outstanding invoices.
The station was reportedly migrated to Band A last year, resulting in a tariff increase of over 200 percent, which significantly raised its monthly energy costs.
IBEDC confirmed that the Moniya Railway 33kV feeder “is still out on disconnection for non-payment,” even as surrounding feeders have been restored following outages attributed to load shedding and grid constraints.
The Coordinating Head of Corporate Services at IBEDC, Mrs. Angela Olanrewaju, in a response to inquiries, stated that while the company has been engaging the station’s management for resolution, customer financial records cannot be disclosed without written consent.
“We can confirm that the Moniya Train Station was disconnected due to non-payment. Discussions are ongoing for an amicable resolution. However, we cannot disclose the amount owed due to confidentiality provisions under extant regulations,” she stated.
The disconnection adds to a series of high-profile enforcement actions recently undertaken by IBEDC to recover debts from government entities.
In previous months, the utility company also disconnected the University College Hospital (UCH) and the Liberty Stadium over unresolved debts.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), operators of the station, were ongoing as of press time. NRC’s Deputy Director of Public Relations, Mr. Yakub Mahmood, acknowledged the inquiry and pledged to revert with details but had not provided further comment at the time of filing this report.
The Obafemi Awolowo Train Station, named in honour of the late statesman and former Premier of the Western Region, serves as a strategic hub for the Lagos–Ibadan railway corridor.
The station features modern amenities, including ticketing booths, waiting lounges, and parking infrastructure, and plays a vital role in facilitating passenger movement across key urban centres.
The blackout may affect operational efficiency and passenger experience at the facility, particularly in light of Nigeria’s ongoing push to expand and modernise its rail infrastructure.
Industry observers note that the power sector has increased its focus on revenue protection and cost-reflective pricing amid mounting debt by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The Band A classification, which guarantees a minimum of 20 hours of daily electricity, has also triggered higher tariffs for facilities such as the Moniya Train Station.
Analysts expect further enforcement from distribution companies as liquidity challenges in the sector persist with over ₦100 billion in receivables reportedly owed to DisCos by government institutions nationwide.
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