Residents in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are struggling with unbearable heat as inconsistent electricity supply continues to disrupt daily life. Communities including Kubwa, Bwari, Karu, Nyanya, and Gwagwalada have experienced frequent power outages for over a month.
Many households report difficulties keeping cool at home. Esther Emoh, a Bwari resident, said, “Since February, the electricity has been unstable. The heat is unbearable, and even the little I stored in my freezer has melted. Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) must fix this; we are tax payers and deserve value.”
Teachers are also affected. Rose Bawa, a private school teacher, revealed she conducts lessons outdoors due to poor ventilation and lack of fans. “My pupils are very young and sensitive to heat. We cannot risk their health, so we hold classes on the veranda to enjoy the natural breeze,” she explained.
Some residents have resorted to sleeping outside to cope with the intense temperatures. Auta Amos said, “I cannot bear the indoor heat, so I sleep in the family compound. Even then, I bathe multiple times at night just to feel comfortable.”
Traders are facing economic pressure. Ezra Bright, who runs a frozen foods business in Dutse Alhaji, noted the increased reliance on generators has raised operational costs amid rising fuel prices. “Without reliable electricity, storing frozen goods is a challenge, and patronage is low,” he added.
Barbers and small business owners, like Abdul Farouk, report similar struggles. “I spend more on fuel to keep my shop running, which cuts into my earnings. The heat, combined with fasting, has made life very difficult,” he said.
Residents continue to appeal to authorities and the AEDC to restore stable power supply and ease the hardship caused by extreme weather conditions in the FCT.
