A dispute between the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) and the Sam Ethnan Air Force Base in Ikeja over power disconnection has raised concerns about security risks and disruptions to military operations. The ongoing standoff, now in its second week, stems from the disconnection of electricity to the base due to an outstanding multimillion-naira debt.
Investigations revealed that the base has been without power for two weeks following IKEDC’s decision to cut supply over unpaid bills running into millions of naira. An agreement had been in place requiring the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to pay ₦60 million monthly to secure 10 to 12 hours of electricity daily.
However, a credible source disclosed that the prolonged outage has negatively impacted security and operational efficiency at the base, despite claims that payments have been made as required.
One of the primary concerns is the storage facility for high-caliber weapons, which is at risk due to rising temperatures following the failure of cooling systems.
“The memory of the 2002 Ikeja Cantonment bomb explosion still lingers. A similar incident would be disastrous for Ikeja and Lagos State,” the source stated. The individual further highlighted how essential services, including medical care and water supply, have been significantly affected.
Allegations were also made that in November, NAF paid an additional ₦60 million for electricity but received no clear explanation on how the funds were accounted for. The same issue reportedly occurred in December, leading to frustration over a perceived lack of justification for the power cut despite payments being made.
“Our findings indicate that there is no infrastructure damage disrupting power distribution to the base. The deliberate withholding of electricity is both unprofessional and harmful to national security,” the source claimed.
The anonymous informant stressed that consistent electricity is not a privilege but a necessity for military personnel and their families, as the outage has caused undue hardship and psychological distress.
“Their actions could provoke unrest and affect peace in the region,” the source warned, urging IKEDC to restore power within 48 hours.
Responding to the allegations, IKEDC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Kingsley Okotie, explained that the base is only billed for the electricity it consumes under a Band A feeder.
“Despite payments, there remains a significant debt owed to IKEDC,” Okotie stated. He clarified that the disconnection was not solely due to financial issues but also technical factors.
“There are specific installations needed within the facility to enhance power supply, and the base leadership has been informed during previous discussions. However, our team has not been granted access to carry out these improvements,” he explained.
Okotie also raised concerns over hostility towards IKEDC staff at the barracks, citing previous incidents of harassment.
“The aggression towards our staff within the barracks is troubling. There have been cases of intimidation, which we do not want to continue,” he noted.
He added that nearly all military barracks under IKEDC’s coverage had implemented necessary installations for improved power management, questioning why the air force base had yet to do the same.
More Read
“To move forward, all parties need to engage in constructive dialogue. Energy consumption must be paid for, and no one is being billed for services they didn’t receive,” he said.
Okotie called on air force officials to allow discussions and grant IKEDC access to the base for the required installations and improvements.
“Proper measures must be put in place to ensure all stakeholders are adequately protected. Without access, there can be no progress,” he concluded.
