Ikeja Electric Plc (IE) has collaborated with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as part of its efforts to ensure equipments for stable electricity supply across its network is safe.
While speaking at a meeting with the Lagos State NSCDC Command, the Head, Legal and Regulatory, Ikeja Electric, Babatunde Osadare, commended the agency and the Nigerian Police for their help and support towards protecting the Disco’s infrastructure and ensuring that those who vandalised it were arrested and prosecuted.
Osadare applauded efforts of the Civil Defence and said that it was important the agency was aware that vandalism was still on the rise, hence the need for urgent intervention.
He stated that those criminal activities were sabotaging the company’s efforts to provide excellent service delivery, adding that the affected communities might experience extended power outages due to the acts of vandalism.
According to him, Ikeja Electric was looking forward to a more robust 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 the areas it covers.
Osadare stated that the company was taking very aggressive steps to provide meter to all its customers but was also concerned about the high incidence of meter by-pass, illegal connection or reconnection; acts that sabotage proper energy accounting and the efficient delivery of service. 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 is Ikeja Electric’s Chief Security Officer, Michael Igbodipe, who stated that the main reason why people vandalise electricity infrastructure was because there is a demand for such stolen items in the market.
He suggested that while the company continues to sensitise the stakeholders, there was need to collaborate with security agencies to identify those buying and selling vandalised electricity assets including corporate organisations.
While assuring customers of IE’s commitment to ensure excellent customer experience, he advised community leaders and customers to take ownership of electrical facilities in their locality and protect same against vandalism and urged that all forms of illegal connections carried out by third party technicians should be avoided because illegal connections will cause electrical hazards such as fire outbreak, and electrocution; and people caught in the act will be prosecuted.
