Ikeja DISCO restores power at Nigerian air force base

Weeks after being disconnected by Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (Ikeja DISCO) over a disputed N4.3 billion bill, the Logistics Command of the Nigerian Air Force in Ikeja, Lagos, has had its electricity restored.  

This development follows a recent incident where Air Force personnel stormed Ikeja Electricity’s corporate headquarters and Oshodi Business Unit offices in protest against the prolonged blackout, reportedly causing disruption and chaos.

Despite the fact that the bill remains unpaid, sources indicate that discussions are ongoing to resolve the issue.

As part of the resolution process, pre-paid meters were installed at the Air Force Base on Wednesday before the power was restored.

Sources at the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company told Vanguard that “We have installed a prepaid meter, just like the Army cantonment template, at the Air Force Base in Ikeja. Now that we have reinstalled the prepaid meter, we have restored supply. Henceforth, they will only use the electricity they pay for.

“Before now, we tried to reduce the debt by suggesting installing a prepaid meter, but they did not allow us to do it. “However, because a customer is a customer, we will continue to have a relationship with them.

“Regarding the debt payment and the issue that happened last week, that may not be immediate because as an arm of the Federal Government, most of those issues don’t happen here in Lagos, but in Abuja. The immediate problem has been solved, and they now have electricity and a meter.”

Sources at the Logistics Command, Ikeja also confirmed that power had been restored.

A source at the base said: “The prepaid meter was installed yesterday (Wednesday) and it has been confirmed to be working. There is electricity at the Base now.

“Investigation of the invasion is still ongoing. The Nigerian Air Force is a professional body that knows how to handle such situations.”