Residents from multiple communities in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos took to the streets to protest a prolonged power outage and called for immediate intervention from the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC).
The demonstrators, including members of the Initiative for Global Advocacy (IFGA), gathered at Military Quarters, Eleko Junction, on Friday, July 7, to highlight the severe impact of the power outage on their daily lives, demanding urgent action from the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC).
Masheni Johnson, the founder of IFGA, accused EKEDC of reneging on their promise to address the power outage issue, which was discussed during a meeting held on April 25, 2023.
He stated, “EKEDC also confirmed that the two major transformers intended to supply electricity to the Ibeju-Lekki area were relocated to an unknown destination by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) years ago, leaving the Ibeju-Lekki area in perpetual darkness.”
Chairman of Military Quarters, Eleko, Mr. Michael Popoola, revealed that the communities have been without electricity for more than four years. Despite residents independently procuring electrical facilities as requested by EKEDC, the company has failed to supply power to their communities.
In response, Mr. Babatunde Lasaki, the General Manager of the Corporate Communications Department at EKEDC, acknowledged the necessity for a new 330/132KV substation in the area to meet the power demands.
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Lasaki assured the residents that efforts were underway to expedite the construction of the new substation.
Despite these assurances, the protesters called on the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to conduct a forensic audit of EKEDC to assess the company’s financial stability and ability to continue operating in the electricity distribution business.
He also urged NERC to direct EKEDC to refund the money spent by residents on procuring electricity facilities and to ensure that power is restored to the Ibeju-Lekki area within seven days.
The enduring power outage has significantly impacted various communities, including Ajah, LBS, Sangotedo-Abijo, Awoyaya, Oribanwo, Lakowe, Bogije, Kajola, Igondo, Eleko, Iberekodo, Orimedu, Akodo, Magbon Alade, Refinery, Lekki Idasho, Badore, Idasho, Folu, and other villages in the Eleko environs.
Further exacerbating the situation, residents have expressed frustration over the lack of basic amenities, such as access to clean water, due to the prolonged power outage. The absence of electricity has disrupted daily activities, hampered economic productivity, and compromised the residents’ quality of life.
The protest garnered attention from local media outlets, prompting discussions on the dire state of power supply in the Ibeju-Lekki area and the urgent need for EKEDC and relevant authorities to address the issue promptly.
Residents and advocacy groups continue to advocate for their right to reliable electricity and are calling for tangible solutions to end the long-standing power crisis in their communities.
