The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (Eko DisCo) has urged residents of Ibeju-Lekki and neighboring areas in Lagos State to exercise heightened caution during the rainy season to avoid electrical hazards and ensure uninterrupted power supply.
This advisory was issued during a community engagement event held in the Ibeju district, which attracted a diverse group of business owners, Community Development Association (CDA) representatives, and local inhabitants.
Representing the acting CEO, Mrs. Rekhiat Momoh, Eko DisCo’s Chief Finance Officer, Mr. Joseph Esenwa, emphasized the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols around electrical installations.
“We strongly advise against constructing buildings beneath power lines for safety reasons,” Esenwa stated firmly. “There are established regulations governing the minimum clearance distances from high-voltage lines, and compliance with these standards is mandatory before any construction begins.”
He also cautioned against unauthorized electrical hookups, tampering with equipment, and erecting structures over underground cables, highlighting that such actions not only endanger lives but also disrupt electricity distribution.
In response to the increased risks posed by the rainy season, Esenwa revealed that Eko DisCo has ramped up maintenance activities on cables and poles, intensified monitoring to ensure the integrity of installations, and enhanced its fault detection and response mechanisms. Customers were encouraged to report any electrical faults immediately to facilitate swift repairs.
Demonstrating a commitment to customer service, the CFO authorized immediate replacements for defective meters and transformers presented during the forum. Notably, six transformers were slated for repair and reactivation, providing much-needed relief to communities experiencing inconsistent power supply.
Community representatives expressed their approval of the engagement. Wale Aderoju, Chairman of the Lekki Estate Resident and Stakeholders Association Infrastructure Maintenance Committee, praised the initiative, saying, “We remain dedicated to collaborating with Eko DisCo to improve service delivery while empowering our communities to act as guardians against vandalism.”
The discussion also addressed the persistent issue of electricity theft. Esenwa described it as a significant challenge that demands ongoing vigilance and strict enforcement of penalties. Echoing this sentiment, Joseph Idinye of Destiny Homes highlighted the collective responsibility involved: “When individuals steal electricity and others ignore it, everyone suffers the consequences. Any form of power theft ultimately harms us all.”
Providing updates on infrastructure developments, Engr. Ovie Oghenekaro Adjekpiyede, Head of Project Technical Services, announced that the Federal Government has commissioned a new substation project for Ibeju-Lekki. He also shared plans to expand the Elemoro substation, which is projected to add 8MW of capacity by late 2025, alongside other initiatives aimed at stabilizing power supply from Awoyaya to Lakue.
“Our team is diligently working to maintain a dependable electricity supply in Ibeju-Lekki through strategic collaborations with Federal, State, and Local Government bodies,” he added.
The company also highlighted its complaint management system, which facilitates escalation of unresolved issues from the district level to higher authorities. Customers were reminded about available payment plans and verification procedures designed to ensure continuous electricity access.
As the Ember months approach, bringing increased electricity demand due to festive activities, Eko DisCo reaffirmed its dedication to providing safe and reliable power, while appealing to residents to join in safeguarding electrical infrastructure.
