EKEDC reaffirms commitment to investment in network, infrastructure development
Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has reaffirmed its dedication to substantial infrastructure upgrades designed to improve electricity supply and enhance customer satisfaction across its network.
The Acting Managing Director of EKEDC, Mrs Rekhiat Momoh, made this assurance while addressing participants at the Festac Customers Consultative Forum on Thursday in Lagos.
The forum brought together customers from Festac Town, Maza-Maza, Agboju, Satellite Town, Kirikiri Town, and Ijegun communities.
Speaking through Mr Babatunde Lasaki, General Manager of Corporate Communications and Strategy, Momoh underlined the company’s priority of replacing faulty transformers and installing new ones to increase efficiency and reliability.
She pointed out that EKEDC has invested significantly in the replacement and repair of equipment across various parts of its network.
Momoh explained that the forum offers an important space for open dialogue on power-related issues, enabling customers, stakeholders, and management to address concerns constructively and without confrontation.
She reiterated EKEDC’s commitment to enhancing electricity supply throughout its network despite the considerable challenges facing Nigeria’s power sector.
“Consistent with our commitment, EKEDC allocates considerable annual capital expenditure towards rehabilitation and infrastructure enhancement.
“Our customers’ main expectation is uninterrupted electricity service, and we fully recognise the importance of providing dependable and high-quality power,” she stated.
Momoh also drew attention to EKEDC’s focus on operational safety.
“Electricity can be a dependable ally when used correctly, but it poses serious risks if mishandled.
“We are investing heavily to ensure a safe, reliable, and continuous power supply for our customers,” she added.
She expressed confidence that, with appropriate infrastructure and government support, EKEDC would be able to guarantee a minimum of 20 hours of uninterrupted electricity in its network areas within the next decade.
“If all proceeds as planned, Lagos will serve as a pilot region for this initiative,” Momoh added.
She further stated that EKEDC intends to collaborate with independent power producers to tap into additional captive energy sources, including renewables, to supplement the national grid.
“We are committed to providing our customers with the power they need and aim to achieve a marked improvement in service delivery over the next ten years,” she assured.
Addressing the challenges of vandalism, illegal connections, and energy theft, Momoh reiterated EKEDC’s zero-tolerance stance and warned that offenders would face prosecution.
“We require the cooperation of our communities to tackle these issues and will continue to ensure that energy from the National Grid reaches customers efficiently,” she said.
She also issued a firm warning against tampering with electrical equipment, highlighting the potential for fatalities or serious injuries.
“Vandalising or interfering with power installations is illegal and extremely hazardous.
“It can cause outages that disrupt entire communities,” she cautioned.
On safety matters, Mr Cletus Onyekwu, Head of Health, Safety, and Environment, urged customers to avoid using unauthorised technicians, often called ‘NEPA 2,’ to repair faults, describing the practice as both unlawful and dangerous.
He also advised customers to exercise caution when using electrical appliances at home to prevent electrocution, warning against overloading sockets or handling devices with wet hands.
Onyekwu further stressed the importance of protecting children from electrical hazards.
On community cooperation, Mrs Aghata Maman, Passport Control Officer at the Festac Passport Office, appealed to residents to refrain from vandalising EKEDC’s infrastructure.
She encouraged customers and local leaders to play active roles in protecting electricity installations for the collective good.
Additionally, Dr Akinrolabu Olukayode, Chairman of the Customer Consultative Forum for Festac/Satellite Town, urged EKEDC to invest in advanced fault-detection technologies to enhance communication with customers during outages.
He stressed that the forum remains a vital platform for addressing ongoing power challenges in the communities.
Olukayode also appealed to customers to engage constructively with EKEDC management rather than resorting to violence.
He acknowledged the company’s efforts to provide effective power supply and promptly replace damaged equipment.
