Electricity Distribution Company, Ikeja Electric Plc (IE), as part of her efforts to ensure safety of equipment for stable electricity across its network, has collaborated with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Speaking during a meeting with the Lagos State NSCDC Command, the Head Legal and Regulatory, Ikeja Electric, Babatunde Osadare, commended the agency for their tremendous support in protecting the firm’s infrastructure and ensuring that vandals are arrested and prosecuted.
Osadare stated that it was important to let the agency know that vandalism is still on the increase; hence the need to urgently intervene.
He stated that these nefarious activities were sabotaging the company’s efforts to provide excellent service delivery.
He further said the affected communities might experience extended power outage due to the acts of vandals.
According to him, the firm is looking forward to a more robust collaboration with law enforcement agencies and community associations in the year, especially on vandalism, illegal connections, and energy theft, among others, in its coverage areas.
Osadare stated though the company is taking steps to meter its customers, it is concerned about the high incidence of meter by-pass, illegal connection or reconnection; acts that sabotage proper energy accounting and efficient service delivery.
IE’s Chief Security Officer, Michael Igbodipe, stated that the people vandalise electricity infrastructure is because there is market for the stolen items and that is why it is very crucial for stakeholders to focus on those involved in these racketeering to enable quality service from the firm.
In his response, the Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Edenabu Okoro Eweka, thanked the IE Team and endorsed the message of collaboration with security agencies and Lagos State Government to ensure safety of electricity infrastructure. He stated that one of the core mandates of the Federal Government to the NSCDC is to ensure safety of critical assets and infrastructure across Lagos State and that the NSCDC team is ready to support the Company.
