Air Force Personnel Attack Ikeja Electricity DisCo, Leaving 15 Staff Injured
A violent attack on Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (Ikeja DisCo) by Air Force personnel last Thursday has left fifteen staff members injured and receiving medical treatment in various hospitals. The incident resulted in a deserted office as employees refrained from resuming work due to safety concerns, while electricity supply to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) base remained disconnected.
The Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) has strongly condemned the attack, labeling it a threat to business operations and investment in Nigeria. The organization urged the Federal Government to address outstanding electricity debts owed by military bases nationwide to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Seven Years of Unresolved Debt Dispute
Chairman of Ikeja DisCo, Kola Adesina, revealed that the Air Force owes the company an outstanding N4 billion. He noted that efforts to resolve the issue have been ongoing for seven years without any progress. Adesina explained that the debt has significantly impacted the company’s operations, affecting their ability to meet financial obligations to stakeholders within the electricity value chain, including gas suppliers and the Transmission Company of Nigeria.
“We have been discussing debt settlement for seven years, yet no payment has been made. As a distribution company, we are responsible for remitting funds to multiple stakeholders, but this massive debt has placed a financial strain on our operations,” Adesina stated.
Ikeja DisCo Office Remains Deserted
In the aftermath of the attack, the usually bustling headquarters of Ikeja DisCo in Alausa, Lagos, remained eerily empty. Many employees expressed fear over their safety, with some still recovering from injuries sustained during the assault. According to an employee who wished to remain anonymous, several essential office equipment, including laptops, phones, and installation tools, were taken during the invasion.
A staff member described the ordeal, stating, “I fell and bruised my knee while trying to escape. Many of my colleagues suffered similar injuries. It’s shocking that in a democratic nation, military personnel could storm a private company and assault its workers.”
Electricity Workers Consider Strike Action
Despite reassurances from AVM Adeniran Ademuwagun, Air Officer Commanding the NAF Logistics Command, that no further harm would come to Ikeja DisCo staff, employees remain doubtful. The company’s Public Relations Officer, Kingsley Okotie, confirmed that many affected staff members are still receiving medical care and unable to resume work due to trauma.
“We are prioritizing the well-being of our staff. The office remains unsafe, and we cannot resume full operations under duress,” Okotie stated. He also confirmed that power had not yet been restored to the Air Force base as critical installations were damaged or removed during the attack.
NECA Calls for Government Intervention
NECA’s Director General, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, issued a statement condemning the attack and calling for immediate government intervention. The association emphasized the need for a structured resolution of outstanding electricity debts owed by military establishments to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“This attack sends a dangerous signal to investors and threatens Nigeria’s economic stability. No business can thrive in an environment where impunity prevails. We urge the Federal Government to swiftly address this matter to restore confidence in the business community,” NECA stated.
Federal Government Urged to Prevent Future Attacks
NECA proposed that the Federal Government establish a committee to audit outstanding electricity bills owed by military bases and ensure swift settlement of debts. This move, they argue, would prevent further disputes and safeguard the interests of electricity distribution companies.
The ongoing dispute between Ikeja DisCo and the Nigerian Air Force highlights the pressing need for improved accountability in Nigeria’s electricity sector. Resolving these financial challenges is essential to maintaining stability and ensuring continued investment in the power industry.
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