Ikeja Electric Declines Reconnection of Sam Ethnam Air Force Base Over N4.3 Billion Debt Amid Military Invasion and Assault on Staff
Lagos, Nigeria – The Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED) has issued a firm stance: the Sam Ethnam Air Force Base in Ikeja, Lagos, will remain disconnected from the power grid until its outstanding N4.3 billion debt to Ikeja Electric Plc is settled. This declaration follows the base’s disconnection last week due to the substantial unpaid bill, which has severely impacted Ikeja Electric’s operations.
The situation escalated when Air Force personnel allegedly invaded Ikeja Electric’s headquarters, vandalizing equipment and assaulting staff, including journalists. Sunday Oduntan, Executive Director of Research and Advocacy at ANED, stated unequivocally, “Reconnection is not possible immediately. They have to pay what they owe us.”
Oduntan condemned the Air Force’s actions, emphasizing, “The attack of Ikeja Electric Plc should not happen in a civilian administration because there are better ways of resolving issues.”
Meanwhile, ongoing engagements are reportedly underway to facilitate payment and reconnection. Dr. Muda Yusuf, CEO of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), criticized the “jungle approach” employed by the Air Force, urging the military’s top brass to caution their operatives against such behavior. “This jungle approach to solving problem is not good,” Yusuf stated, adding, “It is not good for our perception as a major investment destination.”
Kola Adesina, Chairman of Ikeja Disco, previously highlighted the prolonged nature of the debt, stating, “We are being owed a significant chunk of money, about N4 billion. We’ve been discussing this for about seven years.” He explained that the unpaid debt has severely strained the company’s financial stability, impacting its ability to meet obligations to other stakeholders in the electricity value chain.
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 has issued a firm stance: the Sam Ethnam Air Force Base in Ikeja, Lagos, will remain disconnected from the power grid until its outstanding N4.3 billion debt to Ikeja Electric Plc is settled. This declaration follows the base's disconnection last week due to the substantial unpaid bill, which has severely impacted Ikeja Electric's operations.){kind=link}