In a clarifying statement issued Friday, February 13, 2026, the DisCo confirmed that the directive is a strict Business-to-Business (B2B) requirement, affecting only corporate customers, vendors, and strategic partners, not residential household consumers.

The move is a direct response to the Nigeria Tax Act (NTA) 2025, which has introduced a more aggressive digital trail for corporate transactions and VAT verification.

For Ikeja Electric, the data update isn’t just about tax; it is an evolution of their Know Your Business (KYB) and Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures.

By linking TINs to corporate accounts, the DisCo is aligning its internal database with the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) portal.

Digital Invoicing: Under the NTA 2025, supplier invoices must now carry specific metadata, including the company’s Tax ID and Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration number.

The NRS Portal: The implementation framework requires all corporate invoices to be uploaded and validated on the NRS portal.

For this automated validation to occur, the recipient’s (corporate customer’s) Tax ID is a mandatory data field.

Strategic Compliance vs. Operational Friction

The initial notice, which set a February 20 deadline, sparked fears of mass service suspensions.

However, IE has clarified that the deadline is a compliance milestone for business entities to ensure their invoices remain “tax-valid” under the new law.

“The notice applies strictly to corporate customers (B2B), as well as our vendors and strategic business partners,” the company stated. “The customer’s Tax ID becomes mandatory for processing and verification where validated invoices are transmitted through the [NRS] portal.”

The Digitization of the Nigerian Tax Rail

This directive is a textbook example of the “Invisible Infrastructure” shift highlighted in recent financial blueprints like The Re-Architecture Project.

By mandating TINs for B2B transactions, the government is effectively turning utility companies into data-gathering nodes for the NRS.

For businesses, this means that electricity bills are no longer just operational costs; they are now verifiable tax documents.

Failure to provide a TIN wouldn’t just risk a “service suspension“, it would essentially make it impossible for a company to claim VAT input or legitimate business expenses on their utility spend, as the invoice would fail NRS validation.

Residential users can breathe easy, but for the corporate sector, the message is clear: the era of anonymous business utility consumption is over.

In a notice issued to customers, the distribution company (DisCo) said the directive aligns with the Nigeria Tax Act, which came into effect on January 1, 2026.

Under the new law, all invoices, including electricity bills, must contain at least one recognised form of customer identification.

According to Ikeja Electric, customers are required to provide any one of the following:

• Tax Identification Number (TIN)
• Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration number
• National Identification Number (NIN)

The company said electricity bills generated from January 2026 onward must comply with the Act, which renders any invoice without the required identification details invalid.

What happens after the deadline?

Ikeja Electric stated that customers who fail to submit the required information by February 20 will no longer receive electricity bills. Continued non-compliance, it added, could lead to service suspension.

The DisCo explained that it may be unable to issue legally valid invoices to customers whose accounts are not updated with at least one of the approved identifiers.

What this means

The move reflects a broader push by the federal government to tighten tax compliance and formalise billing systems across sectors.

By mandating identification details on invoices, regulators aim to improve traceability, revenue reporting, and data integration across agencies.

For customers, however, the immediate implication is straightforward: failure to update account details could disrupt billing and potentially electricity supply.

Ikeja Electric urged customers to comply before the February 20 deadline to avoid any service interruption.

The reports alleged the appointment of “Kunle Ogunba Esq. SAN” as Receiver/Manager over the entities.

The Management of the power companies said the publications, contrary to a subsisting court ruling, erroneously claimed the appointment of a Receiver/Manager over KEPCO Energy Resource Nigeria Limited, NG Power-HPS Limited, and New Electricity Distribution Company, with operating companies as follows: KEPCO (Egbin Power), NG Power-HPS Limited (FIPL) and New Electricity Distribution Company (Ikeja Electric).

“We state unequivocally and for the record that Egbin Power Plc, First Independent Power Limited, and Ikeja Electric Plc are absolutely not in Receivership, and their assets, businesses, or undertakings are not under the management of any external Receiver/Manager whatsoever,” Babatunde Osadare, Chief Legal and Regulatory Officer, Ikeja Electric, said on behalf of the power companies’ Management.

Osadare said the claims were not only false, but “represent a gross misrepresentation of facts and a malicious attempt at self-help designed to subvert the course of justice.”

According to him, in definitive rulings delivered on August 5, 2025 (Suit Nos. FHC/L/CS/1242, FHC/L/CS/1244, FHC/L/CS/1245), the Honourable Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court in Lagos explicitly restrained the Lenders and their purported Receiver/Manager from taking any adverse actions.

Osadare said the rulings specifically prohibits the purported Receiver/Manager from: accelerating the disputed loan facility before its maturity; interfering in any manner with the assets, businesses, or undertakings of the Power Entities, including operational accounts; enforcing any share security over the assets of the Power Entities or their sponsors, based on the disputed debt; or unilaterally enforcing any finance documents related to the disputed debt.

“We therefore urge the general public, our valued customers, financial partners, regulators, and all stakeholders to completely disregard the falsehoods presented in the aforementioned This Day advertorials and any related, unfolding misleading press releases. The core matters referenced are actively being litigated and the Lenders, represented by the purported Receiver/Manager, have formally submitted to the Court’s jurisdiction,” Osadare said.

Reassuring all stakeholders, Osadare said the power companies emphatically reaffirm their steadfast commitment to the development of the nation’s Power Sector and their vital role of responsibly powering homes, communities, and businesses across the nation.

He added;

“Egbin Power, First Independent Power, and Ikeja Electric remain fully operational, financially stable, and firmly under the control of their legitimate management. Our focus remains unwavering on our core mission: providing reliable electricity and driving the growth of Nigeria’s critical power sector. We have full confidence in the Nigerian judicial system to fairly resolve the underlying disputes.”

Monday, Ikeja Electric also revealed six organisations where various capacities of meters at different prices can be procured.

According to the Electricity Distribution Company (DisCo), 1-Phase (Smart Meter- PLC) will sell for #112,853.50, the 3-Phase (Smart Meter-PLC) #214,403.38.

However, 1-Phase (Smart Meter-GSM/GPRS) price ranges from; #111,235.63, #112,337.76 and #96,750.00 respectively.

Furthermore, the 3-Phase (Smart Meter-GSM/GPRS) can be procure for prices around; #213,597.13, 206,737.42, and 182,750.00 respectively. Meanwhile, the prices for the 1-Phase(Smart Meter-Cellular)are; #112,235.63, #115,025.00, #112,337.76 and #114,487.50.

The 3-phase (Smart Meter Din-Rail-PLC), goes for; #213,597.13, #218,225.00, #206,737.42, and #217,687.50. But customers can buy the 1-Phase (D-in-Rail-PLC) for #93,525.00, while the 1-Phase (Din-Rail-RF) can be purchased for the sum of #133,300.00 and #91,375.00 respectively.

It is important to note that a public opinion poll conducted by NOI Polls, revealed ownership of fixed pre-paid metering is limited to only 37 per cent of the electricity customers in Nigeria.

The rest of the customers are divided among those who use post-paid meters and those who do not have a meter, but simply pay fixed amounts of money for electricity. Being the most efficient way to distribute electricity, usage of pre-paid meters is highest in the North-East zone and lowest in the South-East zone.

Further findings revealed that among all respondents, those paying amounts within the band of ₦1,000 – ₦5,000 per month represent the largest group of users (44 per cent).

More findings showed that on average, most electricity customers around the country (68 per cent) have a power supply for less than 9 hours per day including 5 per cent that have no electricity supply at all.

In addition, when respondents were asked if they are willing to pay more to get 24 hours of electricity, findings revealed that most of the respondents (67 per cent) expressed willingness to pay more for a steady electricity supply in their respective households.

Earlier this year, Musiliu Oseni, the NERC Vice Chairman, announced hike in electricity tariffs, he disclosed this while speaking at a press conference in Abuja.

Mr Oseni explained that only electricity customers in Band A would be affected by the increase.

He noted that the increase would not affect Bands B, C, D and E while noting that the number of customers previously on Band A has been reduced. Band A customers are offered an average daily electricity supply of 20 hours, although many complain they do not get up to that.

The official said, the Band A consumers represent 15 per cent of the population but consume 40 per cent of the nation’s electricity.

Accordingly, he said, power distribution companies (DisCos), will be allowed to raise electricity prices to N225 ($0.15) per kilowatt-hour from N68.

“We currently have 800 feeders that are categorised as Band A feeders, but upon reviewing those feeders’ performance, the commission has now reduced it to under 500.

“This means that 17 per cent now qualify as Band A feeders. Those are the feeders that are currently meeting the average 20 hours average.

“So we have just 17 per cent of the total feeders of the distribution companies now qualify as Band A feeders. That is, when you look at where those feeders are critically, it is estimated that under 15 per cent of customers are currently connected to those feeders.

So based on that, feeders are not meeting the 24-hour supply and have been asked to be downgraded immediately, with strict compliance and strong enforcement action,” he said.

He added that the commission now sets its review for that application by the distribution companies and has decided that only the 17 per cent feeders, that is, the 15 per cent customers, will be affected by any increase that the commission will approve for this distribution company.

“And in that order, the commission has approved a rate review of N225 per kilowatt hour for just under 15 per cent of the customer population.

So that means less than 15 per cent of the customers will be affected. The commission has issued an order which is titled April Supplementary Order taking effect from today,” Mr Oseni said.

Olufadeke Omo-Omorodion, the spokesperson for the IKEDC, disclosed this to Channels Television in a notice on Monday.

According to the notice, the downward tariff review of the Band A customers would take effect from Monday, May 6, 2024.

Under the approved review, Band A customers who hitherto were charged N225/Kwh, are now to pay N206.80/Kwh.

“Please be informed of the downward tariff review of our Band A feeders from N225/kwh to N206.80/kwh effective 6th May 2024 with guaranteed availability of 20-24hrs supply daily,” the statement by Ikeja Electric said.

The decision to crash the tariff may not be unconnected with public outcry over the increase in electricity which industry observers, Civil Society Organisations, and labour unions have described as insensitive.

The tariffs for Bands B, C, D, and E remain unchanged. (Source: Channels TV)

He said that less than five percent of those in the Band actually get 20 hours of electricity supply.

He laid his mind bare on the metering problem among other germane issue.

Of the tremendous snippet garnered from his thought provoking insight was a rhetorical question; “Is there a mechanism put in place by the Commission on how they can be measured?

They are talking of going to feeders. Do consumers know what feeders are? Do consumers have access to the feeders?

Background

Some days back, the Federal Government of Nigeria jacked up the electricity tariff at a press briefing in Abuja, Musliu Oseni, the vice chairman of NERC, said the increase will see customers pay ₦225 kilowatts per hour, up from ₦66.

Oseni said these customers represent 15 per cent of the 12 million electricity customers in the country.

He added that the commission had also downgraded some customers on Band A to Band B due to non-fulfillment of the required hours of electricity provided by the electricity distribution company.

He said: “We currently have 800 feeders that are categorized as Band A, but it will now be reduced to under 500. This means that 17 percent now qualify as Band-A feeders. These feeders only service 15 per cent of total electricity customers connected to the feeders.

“The commission has issued an order which is titled April supplementary order and the commission allows a 235 kilowatt per hour.”

He noted that the review will not affect customers on the other Bands.

A feeder is a conductor which connects the sub-stations (or localized generating station) to the area where power is to be distributed. Generally, no tapings are taken from feeders so that current in it remains the same throughout.

The report also showed, in Lagos State for instance, subscribers of the Band A tariff plan who benefit from the 20 to 24 hours of daily power consumption from the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (Ikeja Electric) and the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC).

They are:

Ijaiye (11-IJUINJ-T1-Ajuwon) in Abule-Egba Business Unit enjoys 601KW/h , Hiltop (11-HilltopINJ-T1-Hilltop) in Akowonjo Business Unit enjoys 656KW/h. Egbeda (33-AlimoshoTCN-Agege) in Akowonjo Business Unit enjoys 425KW/h, Adekunle Fajuyi (Adekunle FajuyiINJ-T1-Isaac John) in Ikeja Business Unit enjoys 1,195KW/h,  Adekunle Fajuyi (Adekunle FajuyiINJ-T1-Oduduwa) in Ikeja Business Unit enjoys 1,104KW/h, Adeniyi Jones (Adeniyi JonesINJ-T1-Adeniyi Jones) in Ikeja Business Unit enjoys 1,117KW/h

Others are: Ilupeju (11-ILUPEJUINJ-T1-BHOJSON) in Ikeja Business Unit enjoys 1,619KW/h , Ilupeju (11-ILUPEJUINJ-T4-Ikorodu) in Ikeja Business Unit enjoys 997KW/h, Maryland (11-MarylandINJ-T1-PTC) in Ikeja Business Unit enjoys 1,152KW/h, New Alausa (11-New AlausaINJ-T4-Allen) in Ikeja Business Unit enjoys 1,085KW/h, New Alausa (11-New AlausaINJ-T4-Oregun) in Ikeja Business Unit enjoys 1,172KW/h,  New Alausa (11-New AlausaINJ-T4-Siyanbola) in Ikeja Business Unit enjoys 1,142KW/h, New Alausa (11-New AlausaINJ-T5-Kudirat) in Ikeja Business Unit enjoys 995KW/h, New Alausa (11-New AlausaINJ-T6-Awolowo) in Ikeja Business Unit enjoys 1,009KW/h,  New Alausa (11-New AlausaINJ-T6-Ogundana) in Ikeja Business Unit enjoys 1,067KW/h, Ojodu (OjoduINJ-T2-Express) in Ikeja Business Unit enjoys 960KW/h, Ojodu (OjoduINJ-T2-River Valley) in Ikeja Business Unit enjoys 997KW/h,  Opebi (11-PTCINJ-T1-Opebi) in Ikeja Business Unit enjoys 971KW/h, Opebi (11-PTCINJ-T2-Awuse) in Ikeja Business Unit enjoys 1,232KW/h,  Opebi (11-PTCINJ-T3-General Hospital) in Ikeja Business Unit enjoys 1,176KW/h, Opebi (11-PTCINJ-T3-Oba Akinjobi) in Ikeja Business Unit enjoys 1,082KW/h,  Secretariat Estate (11-SecretariatINJ-T1-Estate) in Ikeja Business Unit enjoys 1,074KW/h Secretariat Estate (11-SecretariatINJ-T2-Agidingbi) in Ikeja Business Unit enjoys 1,007KW/h, Oshodi (11-AjaoINJ-T2-Sholanke) in Oshodi Business Unit enjoys 929KW/h,

Oshodi (11-ItireINJ-T2-Canal) in Oshodi Business Unit enjoys 733KW/h,  Oshodi (11-ItireINJ-T3-Ago) in Oshodi Business Unit enjoys 723KW/h, Oshodi (11-Oke AfaINJ-T1-LCHE) in Oshodi Business Unit enjoys 721KW/h,  Oshodi (11-ItireINJ-T3-Ago) in Oshodi Business Unit enjoys 723KW/h, Ejigbo (33-EjigboTCN-Agodo) in Oshodi Business Unit enjoys 890KW/h, Ejigbo (33-EjigboTCN-Egbe) in Oshodi Business Unit enjoys 905KW/h, 31. Ejigbo (33-EjigboTCN-Igando) in Oshodi Business Unit enjoys 1,352KW/h Ejigbo (33-EjigboTCN-Oke Afa 2) in Oshodi Business Unit enjoys 714KW/h and 64 others.

The issues

Speaking further, the National Secretary of the Network for Electricity Consumer Advocacy of Nigeria noted that in 2020-21, the Commission came up with what it called Service Based Tariff based on the principle of the more electricity that is supplied to business or household the more you pay.

“Now this led to the reclassification of electricity consumers’ tariff bands. We have band A: The consumers there would be supplied a minimum of 20 hours a day to pay at that rate; Band B 18 hours, Band C 12 hours, Band D 8 hours, and Band E 4 hours.

“We conducted a survey on Band A customers and we discovered that less than 5 per cent of those in that Band received 20hours. We discovered that some customers in 11 months never had 18 hours of electricity supply but they are on Band A”.

Meanwhile, the government and the power distribution companies (DISCos), have continued to complain of revenue shortfalls in the sector.

As at September 30, 2023, Nigeria’s metering gap stood at over 7 million- though reports suggests it could be more than that.

This is amid frequent grid collapse, which defied solutions.

A report by NERC shows that out of the total 12,825,005, registered electricity customers, only 5,707, 838 have meters, indicating that over 7.1 million registered customers still are subjected to the estimated billing system.

Although President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration recently established a Presidential Metering Initiative, which was announced by Adebayo Adelabu, minister of Power.

Similarly, a report by the International Energy Agency, the national grid collapse 46 times from 2017 to 2023, Nigerians endured more nationwide blackouts in 2023.

Nigeria was also thrown into darkness on Thursday 28th, March, 2024 following a collapse of the electricity grid controlled from Osogbo, Osun State, the development left virtually all franchise areas for Discos across the 36 states.

In the same vein the Federal Government of Nigeria, in its efforts to alleviate the recurring partial grid disturbance has established a committee to address the gas shortage in the power, according to Adebayo Adelabu, minister of power the committee comprises representatives from the two ministries, gas suppliers, the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), chain sector.

However, the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group Afenifere has condemned the recent hike in electricity tariff, asking President Bola Tinubu to compel the Ministry of Power to reverse the increase. Afenifere’s comment followed the Nigerian Electricity Distribution Company’s (NERC) electricity tariff hike for B and A users who enjoy at least 20 hours of power supply

“Tariff increase, whether you call it cost reflective tariff or whatever, is not the silver bullet that is needed in the market. Why tariff increase or reflection of cost in the market? We are dancing around the problem and our priorities have not been set right.

First, what is the percentage of customers in Band A that are metered? We have a huge metering gap. The meter is the revenue assurance tool in the business of electricity. Why do we have revenue shortfalls, huge subsidy they are talking about? Aggregate, technical and commercial losses are as high as 47 to 49 per cent. This means that for every N100 of electricity generated, transmitted and distributed, you are losing N47 to N49 and you are recovering the balance.

Zambia and Kenya Case Studies

In Zambia for instance, to guarantee revenue in the electricity sector, the meter is paramount.

If you meter 100per cent as it is done in Zambia, their ATC and C is 17 per cent. The solution to the liquidity in the market is the huge metering gap of over 7 million of unmetered customers which now leads to the inability of the Distribution Company to collect revenue.

You are not guaranteed your revenue. A customer complained he bought energy three days ago for ₦50, 000 for services not yet used. So, if you meter 100 per cent like is done in Zambia and Kenya, it will reduce revenue loss and shoot up your revenue collection. So, you cannot generate until distribution launches higher than generation to continue running around.

“In other words, until you can guarantee that what you generate you can distribute and get your money, we are not going to get there. And what will help you do that is the meter”, Eket said.

Electricity is a fundamental requirement for industrial and commercial activities. Without reliable power, businesses face operational difficulties, reducing productivity and competitiveness.

Lack of electricity also limits the establishment and growth of new industries, hindering job creation and economic growth. Electricity generation in Nigeria began in Lagos in 1886 with the use of generators to provide 60 kW.

In 1923, tin miners installed a 2 MW plant on the Kwali River; six years later, the Nigerian Electricity Supply Company, a private firm, was established near Jos to manage a hydroelectric plant at Kura to power the mining industry.

Then, another private enterprise was established in Sapele by United Africa Company to power the activities of the African Timber and Plywood Company.

Between 1886 and 1945, electric power generation was relatively low, with power provided primarily to Lagos and other commercial centers such as mining industries in Jos and Enugu. Hence, the colonial government created an electricity department within the Public Works Department, which then installed generating sets in many cities to serve government reservation areas and commercial centers.

In 1950, the Legislative Council of Nigeria began moves to integrate the electricity industry when it enacted a law to establish the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN) with the duties of developing and supplying electricity.

ECN took over the electricity sector activities within PWD and the generating sets of Native Authorities.

In 1951, the firm managed 46 MW of electricity.

Between 1952 and 1960, the firm established coal-powered turbines at Oji and Ijora, Lagos. In 1961, ECN completed a 132 kV transmission line linking Lagos to Ibadan via Shagamu; in 1965, this line was extended to Oshogbo, Benin, and Ughelli to form the Western System.

In 1962, a statutory organization, the Niger Dams Authority (NDA), was formed to build and maintain dams along River Niger and Kaduna River, NDA went on to commission a 320 MW hydropower plant at Kainji in 1969, with the power generated sold to ECN. In 1972 NDA and ECN merged to form the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA).

NEPA was the major electricity firm in Nigeria until power sector reforms resulted in the creation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and later the privatization of electricity generation and distribution, the rest they say is history.

Way Out

Now, power generation, transmission, and distribution are the three processes of delivering electricity to consumers in residential, industrial, and commercial areas

Corruption and mismanagement of funds in the power sector, vandalism of oil and gas pipelines and exploration facilities, inability of the government to partner with multinational oil companies to fully utilize gas, poorly planned maintenance culture, and indebtedness on the part of consumers affect electricity generation, transmission, and distribution in Nigeria. These must be tackled adequately.

The investor deserves return on investment (ROI), likewise the government should not be denied its revenue (taxes), but the customer who pays the bill deserves absolute service.

Therefore, we align ourselves with the study which recommended among others that the government should support the electricity distribution firms to generate more megawatts in order to provide constant power supply to their numerous customers and provide adequate facilities like transformers, switch box, switch gears, wire cables, meters, and circuit breakers in order to supply regular power to Nigeria, no matter the Band the citizen belongs.

Sanusi Garba, NERC chairman, who made this known at a media interaction on Wednesday, however assured that customers will continue to pay the current tariffs as the federal government is to subsidise the increased tariffs to the tune of N1.6 trillion this year.

Garba said the federal government will continue to subsidise electricity to ease the financial burden on Nigerians due to economic challenges in the country.

NERC also approved a monthly tariff review of the DisCos going forward arising from changes in exogenous indices, which include changes in the inflation rates, Naira/USS exchange rates, and gas-to-power prices.

Recall that before now the Multi Year Tariff Order (MYTO) allowed for bi-annual minor tariff reviews while major tariff reviews were planned for every five years.

“Government has decided for now, arising from the cost of living crisis and so many others, to in the meantime continue to subsidise electricity.

“In the new tariff order just published by the commission, you will discover that tariff is not going up but you will see what the Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) should be charging.

“You will also see in the tariff order the amount of subsidy the government will be providing to cover the gap between what they will charge and what they are allowed to charge,” he said.

According to him, the new tariff contains what the DisCos are allowed to charge based on government policy, if they are to remain in service.

He said that in the tariff, NERC included some provision that would ensure that the DisCos pay what they are obligated to pay.

A breakdown of the approved tariffs indicates that cost-reflective tariff for Abuja Electricity Distribution Company is N120.88 per kilowatt hour (kwh), however, a tariff of N63.24/kwh is allowed by NERC, indicating a shortfall  of N58.12/kwh which subsidised by the federal government.

The commission said that in line with the policy direction of the federal government policy on electricity subsidy, the allowed tariffs are frozen for all customers at the rates payable since December 2022.

With this policy, the estimated subsidy benefit for customers under AEDC franchise in 2024 is approximately N233.26bn which translates to N19.44 billion monthly

“The allowed tariff is with effect from 1″ January 2024 and shall remain in force, subject to further policy direction of the FGN,” the commission stated.

For Ikeja Electric, the Cost reflective tariff is N128.18 While approved tariff is N56.6 leaving a shortfall of N53.5/kwh.

With this policy, the estimated subsidy benefit for customers under Ikeja Electric franchise in 2024 is approximately N238.201 billion (i.e. N19.85 billion monthly) also effective from tariff is with effect from 1″ January 2024.

The estimated subsidy benefit for customers under Ibadan DisCo franchise in 2024 is approximately N199.841 billion (i.e., N16.65 billion monthly).

Garba said that the Electricity Act that was signed by President Bola Tinubu in 2023 presented an opportunity for states to make laws and take charge of providing electricity in their franchise areas.

He said that the commission remained committed to working with the states in such a manner that the existing public utilities were nurtured to provide services to Nigerians and were utilised for what they were intended for.

On metering, the chairman said that the commission had identified that the Electricity Distribution Companies had challenges with finances to meter their customers.

He said that the rate of metering had been adversely impacted by the inability of DisCos to raise the required capital from the banks.

“To reduce the rate of estimated billing, the commission created a framework under which the distribution companies can raise some amount of money to meter customers.

“So we decided that from the market revenues, we set aside a fixed amount that is dedicated for the provision of metering.

“We are not saying that the money from the market on a monthly basis is the money to buy a meter.

“It is a potential lender to raise a pathway to pay whatever loan DisCos are going to get to provide meters,” he said.

Speaking during the formal sign-off of at the company’s corporate headquarters, Folake Soetan, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ikeja Electric, said she was excited over the efforts of the companies in realizing this  laudable feat, saying that it was a step in the right direction, as it would assist Ikeja Electric in the areas of steady energy growth as the prompt and regular supply of cables and associated materials would help the company to clear faults and deliver faster on on-going projects that require same. 

She stated that as a customer-centric organization, IE would not rest on its oars, but would continue to ensure excellent service delivery to her esteemed customers.

According to her, the strategic partnership with Kabelmetal Nigeria Plc and Nigerchin Wire and Cable Ltd is the first of its kind in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), where manufacturers would enter into a commitment to supply customized cables to a DisCO.

She stated that this agreement would no doubt go a long way in ensuring mutually beneficial relationship and deeper business engagements between IE and the two companies.

In their remarks, Eric Waldner, the Managing Director of Kabelmetal Nig Plc, and Sunil Kumar, the General Manager of Nigerchin Wire and Cable Ltd expressed optimism over the signing of the agreement, noting that it was the first time they were going into such agreement with a DisCO, while also assuring Ikeja Electric of full support and collaboration in prompt delivery of the materials.

The project, which ​​was executed through Sahara Group Foundation, the corporate social sustainability vehicle for the Sahara Group, is in line with IE’s commitment to impacting the environment where she operates through sustainable interventions that helps to make a positive difference in the society.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Folake Soetan, the Chief Executive Officer, Ikeja Electric said “the new traveler’s lodge would help to boost the morale of the Police officers in the station. Therefore, promoting efficiency, as well as an enabling environment for them.”

She also reinforced Ikeja Electric commitment to supporting sustainable development across its host communities and environs through projects like this. Contributing to improved wellbeing for all.

The Ipaja Police Station travelers’ lodge features a range of facilities and amenities, including a two- room hostel block with lavatory and kitchen fittings, overhead tank for water supply, wardrobes, reading tables and chairs.

In her earlier remarks at the commissioning event, Ejiro Gray, Director, Sahara Group Foundation, said “the decision to build this traveler’s lodge was an easy one, as it helps to reflect the Foundation’s commitment to supporting improved security across communities, in ways that enhance the efficiency of the police force thereby promoting sustainable societies”.

Ejiro Gray also thanked the officers of the Ipaja Police Divisional Headquarters, Alagolo, for providing adequate support during the construction of the lodge. Stating that the importance of collaboration cannot be overstated if we are to improve security in our society.

In his remarks, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, ably represented by DCP Ewah Bassey, thanked both Ikeja Electric and the Sahara Group Foundation for the traveler’s lodge. He also endorsed the message of collaboration, stating that “achieving effective policing is a collective responsibility.”

DCP Ewah Bassey urged the Ipaja Police Station officers to make effective use of the facility and said it would go a long way to boosting the effort of the police officers in safeguarding lives and properties.

Also speaking at the event, was His Royal Highness Oba Kolawole Ajani Egundupe, (Ilufemiloye 1) the Olu of Ipaja, who commended the Sahara family for this laudable project, stating that it would go a long way towards promoting safety in the community.

He also thanked the officers of the Ipaja Police Divisional Headquarters for their commitment towards safeguarding lives and properties in the community.

The Sahara Group Foundation, through strategic initiatives such as this, remain fully committed to impacting lives and livelihoods across communities.

Speaking during the strategic meeting with the new helmsman of the Lagos State NSCDC Command, recently, Michael Igbodipe, the Chief Security Officer, Ikeja Electric, welcomed the new commandant to Lagos and commended the agency for their tremendous support in protecting Ikeja Electric’s infrastructure and ensuring that some vandals are brought to justice.

Igbodipe stated that it is important and expedient to furnish the commandant with the present situation as regards vandalism to enable both Ikeja Electric and NSCDC re-strategize on the fight against vandalism.

According to him, the company has recorded in recent times, an average of fifty number vandalized transformers in a month, leading to extended power outage in the affected areas.

He highlighted some steps that will be beneficial in the course of implementing the strategies to include identification of markets where the stolen electrical items are sold, sensitization of market leaders of those that are selling electrical materials on the need to avoid buying stolen electrical items, as anyone found with such will be arrested and prosecuted along with the vandals.

He stated that:

“if there is no market for the purchase of the stolen electrical items, the vandals will never tamper with electrical equipment”. 

Hence the need to urgently swing into action. He stated that vandalism, illegal connections, energy theft and other illegal activities are sabotaging the Company’s efforts to provide excellent service delivery within its coverage areas.

The CSO assured that the Company will continue to sensitize all stakeholders in this regard and reiterated IE’s commitment to ensure excellent service delivery and advised customers, community leaders and members of the society to take ownership of protecting electrical facilities in their locality against vandalism.

He urged consumers to avoid all forms of illegal connections that may lead to electrical hazards, fire outbreaks, damage to equipment, electrocution and service disruptions.

Responding during the strategic meeting, the new Commandant of NSCDC Lagos State, Usman Ishaq Alfadadarai thanked the IE team and endorsed the message of re-strategizing with the Agency, saying that one of the core mandate of the Federal Government to the NSCDC is to ensure safety of all critical assets and infrastructure across Lagos State, including public and private sectors, hence NSCDC team is ready to support the Company to curb the menace of vandalism.

He said vandalism is an aged long problem that must be eradicated in any society.

He promised to immediately inaugurate a dedicated team that will work with Ikeja Electric and swing into action to achieve the objective.  

According to him, there is always synergy between the vandals and those retailers that are buying the stolen items.

The Commandant promised to commit all supports within the limit of the agency to ensure the success of this collaboration and charged IE to provision of adequate logistics for effective implementation of the new strategies.