On Thursday, Eko Electricity Distribution Company (Eko DisCo) convened a comprehensive customer engagement session in Lagos State’s Agbara District. The event united local community leaders to discuss persistent power supply issues, safety protocols, and the pressing challenge of electricity theft.
The meeting encompassed five key zones within the Agbara District-Agbara, Aiyetoro, Aradagun, Badagry, Igborosun, and Oko-Afo-offering a valuable opportunity for open communication between Eko DisCo’s leadership and community delegates.
Iyiola Ezichi, Head of Customer Experience, representing Acting CEO Mrs. Rekhiat Momoh, highlighted the company’s commitment to customer-centric service. “Our business exists because of our customers. Listening to their concerns and feedback is essential for enhancing our service delivery,” Ezichi remarked, emphasizing that the forum was part of Eko DisCo’s ongoing customer engagement initiatives, especially during Customer Service Week.
Engr. Omokaro Emmanuel, chairman of the Electricity Committee for the Agbara Estate Association, lauded Eko DisCo’s hands-on approach. “Engaging directly with consumers about their energy usage is one of the most effective strategies. Regular interactions help us refine operations and optimize consumption,” he commented.
Community leaders, including Festus Eweka, chairman of the Customer Consultative Forum, praised the utility’s responsiveness and problem-solving efficiency. “We have experienced unprecedented attentiveness from Eko DisCo officials. Every concern raised was addressed promptly and thoroughly,” Eweka shared.
During the forum, Eko DisCo underscored essential safety practices for residents, such as utilizing certified cables for electrical installations, hiring licensed electricians for all electrical tasks, educating youth and community members on electrical dangers, and refraining from building structures beneath power lines.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on combating electricity theft, which Eko DisCo representatives identified as a serious criminal offense impacting all consumers. Ezichi clarified the company’s stance: “Electricity theft is a critical issue in the power sector. Offenders face legal consequences and are liable for compensatory billing due to revenue losses.” She urged community members to report any suspicious activities, stressing, “If theft occurs and goes unreported, honest customers end up bearing the cost.”
Echoing this sentiment, Engr. Emmanuel added, “Stolen electricity cannot be reclaimed. It is imperative to identify and report offenders. Proper billing and payment will lead to enhanced infrastructure investment and overall system improvements.”
Sharing a positive example, Eweka recounted his community’s success in eradicating energy theft. “Our neighborhood has actively collaborated with Eko DisCo to expose offenders, who were disciplined and fined. As a result, electricity theft here is now almost nonexistent.”
Engr. Madukife Obianuju, Project Supervisor for EHV Projects at Eko DisCo, revealed upcoming infrastructure upgrades for the Agbara region. A 2×100 MVA transformer installation is underway, with the initial 100 MVA phase set to be operational within a month. Additionally, a new 11kV feeder from Ojo will alleviate pressure on current feeders. Plans for an injection station near the Federal Government College area aim to localize faults and enhance service reliability. “These developments will increase power capacity in Agbara, benefiting both businesses and residents,” Obianuju explained. “The injection station will allow us to segment feeders, so a minor fault won’t necessitate disconnecting all customers.”
To safeguard lives and secure the future, Eko DisCo called on all stakeholders to unite against energy-related crimes and infrastructure vandalism. The company reaffirmed its dedication to ongoing community collaboration to boost service quality and create a safer electrical environment for everyone.
