Lekki Residents Decry Epileptic Power Supply, Demand Immediate Action

Over 100 residents from estates surrounding the Lekki Conservation Centre, Lagos, have raised concerns over the persistent lack of reliable electricity, describing the situation as a threat to livelihoods and businesses.  

Under the banner of the Lekki Conservation Estates Development Association (LECECODA), the residents protested against Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), accusing the utility provider of neglect despite years of dialogue and numerous promises.  

Speaking at a demonstration on Saturday, LECECODA President, Osas Airen, highlighted the dire state of power supply in the area.

Airen explained that the area comprises over 200 estates with more than 5,000 homes and businesses. Despite this, many residents receive less than two hours of electricity daily, with some areas experiencing total blackouts for over two years.  

 “We have been having conversations with EKEDC bordering on poor power supply since 2020, yet it has been a topsy turvy. At a point, the federal government came in with a willing-buyer-willing-seller programme into which we keyed. After a while, it was dismantled; and after that, the electricity situation worsened.

“Over the last two years and a half, we have been having a series of engagements with the EKEDC, more than 15 meetings, yet the power supply has been abysmal. Not only that but while we were in Band A, we were given Band Z services. After expressing our frustrations, we were moved to Band B, yet we hardly had two hours of power supply. This has been ongoing for over two years.

“We are appealing to the NEMSA, Lagos State government, TCN, and EKEDC. From what we gathered, TCN has not been able to give us the requisite size of transformer needed to power this neighbourhood. All we want is a dedicated line. We are prepaid customers, we pay before using. Therefore, we do not owe EKEDC. What we are asking for is equity, justice, and fair play. Businesses have crumbled. For the Lafiaji community, there has been no power for over two years.”

Vice President of LECECODA, Bode Akinwande, demanded that a newly installed transformer be energised to improve power delivery. 

“We are pleading with EKEDC to give us what we want so that businesses can thrive, and homes can enjoy electricity. At the moment, what we get is less than two hours daily. We are pleading that the new transformer brought in be energised for residents’ use.”

Barrister Ejiro Owede, a member of LECECODA’s Power Committee, described the electricity situation as intolerable.

 “Once we have the slighted rain drops, power goes out and doesn’t come back for days. In the past 3 years, I have not known what it feels like to have electricity when it rains. This means that during the entire time of Rainy Season, we have zero expectation of power, and that’s only the tip of the iceberg of the terrible state of power supply.” she lamented.  

Oloso Saheed, Chairman of Cooplag Gardens Estate Resident Association, also expressed disappointment over EKEDC’s lack of responsiveness, stating that poor electricity service had driven many residents to relocate.  

Similarly, Adeyinka Adetukasi, Chairman of DPKay District Estate, called the situation “an affront to basic standards of service delivery,” demanding immediate and effective action from EKEDC.  

The residents urged all stakeholders involved to collaborate and resolve the crisis.  

Chioma Kalu

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