Nigeria’s leading Electricity Distribution Company, Ikeja Electric Plc (IE) as part of her efforts to ensure the safety of equipment for stable electricity across its network, has collaborated with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Speaking during a meeting with the Lagos State NSCDC Command, the Head Legal and Regulatory, Ikeja Electric, Babatunde Osadare commended the agency and the Police for their tremendous support in protecting Ikeja Electric’s infrastructure and ensuring that vandals are arrested and prosecuted.
While applauding their efforts, Osadare stated that it was important to let the Agency know that vandalism is still on the increase; hence the need to urgently intervene.
He stated that these nefarious activities are sabotaging the Company’s efforts to provide excellent service delivery. He further mentioned that affected communities may experience extended power outages due to the acts of vandals.
According to him, Ikeja Electric is looking forward to a more robust collaborative working relationship with all law enforcement agencies and community associations in 2023 especially on the issues of vandalism, Illegal connections, energy theft and all forms of illegal activities within its coverage areas.
Osadare stated that the Company is taking very aggressive steps to meter all its customers but is also concerned about the high incidence of meter by-pass, illegal connection or reconnection; acts that sabotage proper energy accounting and efficient service delivery.
He stressed the fact that the issues are so grave that they rob the value chain of the critical revenue required to effectively drive the power sector, and should therefore be condemned and discouraged by well-meaning members of society. He admonished everyone to be vigilant and apprehend anyone found to be carrying out illegal acts around IE infrastructure for prosecution by the police.
Also speaking at the event, IE’s Chief Security Officer, Michael Igbodipe, who stated that the main reason why people vandalize electricity infrastructure is that there is a market for the stolen items and that is why it is very crucial for stakeholders to focus on all those involved in these racketeering to enable us to record meaningful result.
He suggested that while the Company continues to sensitize all stakeholders, there is a need for more collaboration with security agencies to identify those trading in vandalized electricity assets including corporate organizations that provide the platform and support for the trade.
While assuring customers of IE’s commitment to ensuring excellent customer experience, he advised community leaders and customers to take ownership of electrical facilities in their locality and protect same against vandalism.
He urged them to avoid all forms of illegal connections carried out by third-party technicians because illegal connections will result in electrical hazards such as fire outbreaks, damage to equipment and electrocution; and persons caught in the act shall be prosecuted.
For security-related issues, customers can call 08180000741 (24/7)”. For energy theft and extortion, customers can report through the whistle-blower toll-free lines 08000TIPOFFS, 08008476337 or send an email to expressyourself@ikejaelectric.com, expressyourself@ikejaelectric.com. Customers can also escalate their enquiries and complaints to Ikeja Electric’s Customer Care lines on 01-7000250, 01-2272940 or send an email to customercare@ikejaelectric.com, customercare@ikejaelectric.com for prompt response
In his response, the Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Edenabu Okoro Eweka, thanked the IE Team and endorsed the message of collaboration with security agencies and Lagos State Government to ensure safety of electricity infrastructure.
He stated that one of the core mandate of the Federal Government to the NSCDC is to ensure safety of critical assets and infrastructure across Lagos State and that the NSCDC team is ready to support the Company.