Residents of Epe are facing growing hardship as a prolonged electricity outage continues to disrupt daily life, economic activities, and preparations for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Epe Insights reports that the blackout has forced households and businesses across Epe to rely almost entirely on generators, significantly increasing the cost of living and doing business.
Many residents describe the situation as exhausting and unsustainable, especially as fuel prices remain high.
Small-scale phone charging vendors have emerged as one of the most visible effects of the outage. With no alternative power source, residents now pay premium fees to charge mobile phones and essential devices.
Some residents lamented that phone charging has turned into a survival business, as people have no option but to pay whatever is demanded.
Traders, particularly those dealing in frozen foods, are among the hardest hit. The lack of electricity has made it impossible to preserve perishable goods without constant generator use. Many traders report that the rising cost of fuel has forced them to either increase prices or absorb losses.
Market findings show that prices of frozen foods have risen sharply. A kilogram of chicken that previously sold for about ₦6,000 now goes for as high as ₦7,500. Fish and other frozen poultry products have also recorded noticeable price increases, placing additional strain on household budgets.
One trader explained that running generators daily is draining profits and discouraging customers. According to the trader, many buyers now struggle to afford basic food items, leading to reduced sales and mounting financial pressure on small businesses.
Residents also pointed out that while national policies under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have helped stabilise food prices in some areas, the local electricity challenge in Epe has undermined these gains.
The blackout, they say, has directly contributed to higher food costs at the community level.
The Executive Chairman of Ikosi-Ejinrin Local Council Development Area, Hon. Wale Raji Anomo, alongside other stakeholders, has previously engaged electricity authorities to facilitate discussions aimed at restoring power supply.
Despite these interventions, residents insist that the pace of implementation remains too slow. Many fear that prolonged darkness could worsen economic hardship, insecurity, and social challenges in the area.
