Nigerians face more frequent power disruptions as Ikeja Electric Plc raises alarm over rising vandalism of its electricity infrastructure. The company says these criminal activities threaten reliable service delivery, especially in Lagos communities.
A recent case in Ikorodu underscores the crisis. On September 14, 2024, vandals targeted the company’s Ariel Bundle Cable, damaging critical insulation and rerouting power to a residence illegally. Following investigations, two suspects, Monsurat Akintola and Moses Obigbo, were arrested and charged with conspiracy and tampering under Nigeria’s Miscellaneous Offences Act. Their trial is set for January 28, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Lagos.
Economic and Social Impact
Ikeja Electric’s Head of Corporate Communications, Kingsley Okotie, described the vandalism as a drain on resources and a setback for legitimate customers.
“Each act of sabotage costs us millions in repairs and lost revenue,” he said. “But more importantly, it robs our customers of the reliable power they deserve.”
The company cited repeated incidents in Epe and surrounding areas as particularly damaging. Repairs are costly, slowing progress in improving power supply across the state.
Collaboration Urged
Ikeja Electric is appealing to the public, community leaders, and security agencies to assist in combating vandalism. Anonymous reporting channels have been established to make it easier for citizens to report illegal activities.
“The need for collaboration cannot be overstated,” Okotie added. “We urge stakeholders to protect these assets and help us secure uninterrupted power.”
The company plans to intensify public engagement in 2025 while leveraging technology to combat the crisis. Initiatives like the Intelligence Data Box (IDB) solution for prepaid meters are part of its strategy to reduce energy theft and improve monitoring.
Regulatory Shake-Up in Lagos
The issue comes at a pivotal time for Lagos State’s power sector. Following the Electricity Act of 2023, states now have autonomy over electricity generation, transmission, and distribution. In December 2024, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) mandated Ikeja Electric to establish subsidiaries to oversee intrastate power distribution under the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC).
This decentralization is expected to improve efficiency, but Ikeja Electric warns that vandalism could undermine these efforts.
As Nigeria’s leading electricity distribution company, Ikeja Electric remains committed to improving service delivery despite these challenges. Its 2025 plans include deeper collaboration with communities, enhanced security measures, and further adoption of technology.
“This is not just about infrastructure,” Okotie concluded. “It’s about ensuring every Nigerian has access to the power they need to thrive.”
