The Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED) has declared that the Sam Ethnan Air Force Base in Ikeja, Lagos, will remain without electricity until it settles its N4.3 billion debt owed to Ikeja Electric Plc.
The base was disconnected last week over the unpaid bill, leading to a chain of events that has sparked reactions across different sectors.
Following the disconnection, Air Force personnel allegedly stormed Ikeja Electric’s headquarters, vandalizing equipment and attacking staff, including journalists.
News About Nigeria reports that the incident has drawn widespread criticism, with many questioning the military’s approach to resolving disputes.
ANED’s Executive Director, Sunday Oduntan, stated that reconnection would not happen until the outstanding balance is paid in full.
He condemned the attack on Ikeja Electric, insisting that such actions should not occur in a civilian administration.
He stressed that there are legal and diplomatic ways to address disputes rather than resorting to violence.
Efforts are currently underway to mediate the situation and explore a resolution that could lead to the reconnection of power to the base.
However, Oduntan maintained that no agreement would be reached unless the debt is cleared.
Meanwhile, Ikeja Electric’s chairman, Kola Adesina, had previously revealed that the company has been grappling with financial challenges due to accumulated debts from various entities.
According to him, the N4.3 billion owed by the Air Force base has been an ongoing issue for over seven years.
He explained that as a distribution company, Ikeja Electric is responsible for collecting and remitting funds to various stakeholders in the electricity supply chain, including gas suppliers and the Transmission Company of Nigeria.
He noted that the prolonged non-payment has contributed to financial strain on the company, making it difficult to sustain operations effectively.
