The Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors, ANED, which represents the 11 electricity distribution companies, DisCos, in the country, has stated that the Sam Ethnam Air Force Base in Ikeja, Lagos, will not be reconnected to the power grid.
This decision will remain in place until the base settles its outstanding debt of N4.3 billion to Ikeja Electric Plc.
The Air Force base was disconnected last week due to the unpaid debt, which has severely impacted Ikeja Electric’s operations.
Responding to the Air Force’s recent actions, which included invading Ikeja Electric’s headquarters, vandalizing equipment, and assaulting personnel, including journalists, ANED’s Executive Director for Research and Advocacy, Sunday Oduntan, said, “Reconnection is not possible immediately. They must pay what they owe.”
Ongoing discussions are reportedly taking place to resolve the matter and facilitate the reconnection of the Air Force Base.
Oduntan further condemned the violence, stating, “Such attacks on Ikeja Electric should not happen in a civilian administration. There are better ways to resolve issues.”
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Dr. Muda Yusuf, CEO of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, criticized the Air Force’s actions, describing the approach as “a jungle method” that undermines Nigeria’s reputation as a business destination.
He called on the military’s top leadership to discipline those responsible for the attack and ensure such behavior is not repeated.
Yusuf added, “There are more orderly and acceptable ways to resolve issues. We must avoid this embarrassing approach in the future.”
Meanwhile, Ikeja Electric’s chairman, Kola Adesina, had previously explained the financial strain caused by the N4 billion debt.
He noted that despite years of discussions, the debt remained unpaid. “As a distribution company, we have the responsibility to collect and remit money into a common account for settling all market participants, including gas suppliers and the Transmission Company of Nigeria. This has led to significant liabilities on our books, essentially making us a bankrupt organization,” Adesina said.
Crediblenewsng.com
