Earlier today we met with the Managing Director of Eko Electricity Distribution Company , Dr Tinuade Sanda . The meeting was at the instance of my humble self over the perennial lack of electricity supply to the entire Local Government .

At the meeting with me were representatives of End Darkness in Ibeju Lekki led by Pastor Oluwasegun Odubote and Special Adviser -Works and Infrastructure, Ibeju Lekki Local Government, Mr Fatai Alonge

During the meeting , we expressed our dismay at the lack of supply of electricity by EKEDC and sought the quick intervention of the Managing Director.

The Managing Director, who expressed her appreciation for the visit, explained that lack of Substation in Ibeju-Lekki is responsible for the poor power supply to the area . She explained that Ajah substation is far from the council area, and it’s also currently operating below capacity . She cited examples of other areas within the state that are enjoying a stable power supply due to their proximity to substations . These areas include Lekki , Ajah , Surulere , Victoria Island , Lagos island, etc .

In addition to the above, she complained that the Eleko feeder drops anytime it’s energized, and they have commenced some innovation work around it to improve power supply .

Immediate Interventions

Part of the company’s plan in the medium to long term is to push for the construction of the substation either directly or with the support of the Lagos State Government. She confirmed that a committee is in place that is working closely with the Lagos State Governor . She promised to meet her board to push for quick actions in this direction.

An alternative plan is for the company to invest directly in the construction of the substation but expressed concerns that Although there is a proposed location , it was discovered that the land had no title which makes it unattractive for financiers of such project. She appealed to the Government both State and Local to resolve this quickly so their board could look at the possibility of investing in the construction.

In the short term , the MD promised to pursue some low hanging fruits that can immediately improve power supply to Ibeju-Lekki . Some of these include

– Overall evaluation and assessment of the electricity infrastructure across the Local Government by a technical team from the office of the MD . This team will, among others, assess :

The 3 feeder stations are Elemoro , Eleko, and Ibeju . They will immediately restore eleko feeder before the end of the month to improve the power supply to the axis .

– Work with a team to be put together by the LGA to identify other local community issues such as overloaded transformers , faulty transformers, and other cabling problems

– Set up a joint team of CDAs , EKEDC team, and LG officials to resolve outstanding debt issues . EKEDC will immediately take the full responsibility of transformer repairs , replacement, and installation at the end of the exercise .

The meeting also agreed that only prepaid meters will address the challenges of over estimation of bills . She, however, advised that we wait till January after all pending issues around pricing are resolved . She promised to get in touch with the council on further developments.

As a Governemt, we would continue our engagement with key stakeholders on all issues raised here so we can move some of the ideas to execution.

Thank you

Abdullahi Sesan Olowa
Executive Chairman Ibeju Lekki Local Government