The Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED) has told the Nigerian Airforce that the Sam Ethnam Air Force Base in Ikeja, Lagos, will not be reconnected to the power grid unless its N4.3 billion debt to Ikeja Electric Plc is settled.
The Air Force Base was disconnected last week due to the outstanding debt, which the IE PLC said has disrupted its operation.
It would be recalled that the Air Force personnel invaded the electricity company in Ikeja, molested its staff and vandalised facilities.
Reacting to the development, Sunday Oduntan, the Executive Director of Research and Advocacy at ANED, the professional body representing the 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos) in Nigeria, said, “Reconnection is not possible until the debt is cleared.”
Oduntan frowned at the action of the Nigerian Air Force, remarking that such actions should not occur in a civilian administration, when there are more decorous and peaceful ways to address such issues.
Kola Adesina, Chairman of Ikeja Electric Plc, had explained that the base owed a huge debt resulting from unpaid bills for over seven years.
“We are owed a substantial sum, approximately N4 billion. We’ve been in discussions about this for over seven years, but the payment has not been forthcoming. As a distribution company, we are responsible for collecting and remitting funds to a central account for the settlement of all stakeholders, including gas suppliers, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, and other key market participants.
“This debt has left us with significant liabilities, putting us in a precarious financial position. Despite the challenges, we’ve managed to stay afloat, but the situation remains difficult,” he said.
