The Management of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company has secured the support of security agencies in its quest to stem the rising tide of vandalism to its equipment and installations across the state.
During a courtesy visits to the Director of Security Services and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command by the Management of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Engr. Abiodun Ajifowobaje lamented that the spate of vandalism is becoming worrisome, stating that the Company recently replaced equipment in 42 vandalised Distribution Substations at a cost of over N11 million in January.
The visits were part of IKEDC’s ongoing stakeholder engagement activities designed to achieve the support of its customers as the company continues to work towards enhanced power supply through continuing investments, infrastructure upgrade and capacity building.
Noting that about 11 transformers have been vandalized so far in February, Ajifowobaje explained that investigations had shown that the cases of vandalism are prevalent in the highbrow areas of Ikeja.
“We must say we appreciate the support we have been receiving from the SSS so far. However, we need more assistance from the agency to check the cases of theft and damage to IKEDC’s facilities as this will further boost our efforts at providing the best service possible to customers on our network,” he said.
Ajifowobaje also called for prompt prosecution of persons involved in impersonating IKEDC staff or vandalising the company’s equipment.
In his response, the Director of State Security Services, Mr Achu Ben Olayi promised to assist the Company to stop vandalism in Lagos State. Describing vandals are enemies of the Nation, he noted that all hands must be on deck to curb the activity of vandals nationwide.
“The SSS has been playing the role of advocates in areas where we have been called in to check customer restiveness as we believe we all need to own the efforts aimed at ensuring stable power supply in Nigeria. The agency would intensify its surveillance activities to ensure that the tide of vandalism to electricity facilities is stemmed and ultimately eradicated,” he added.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Lagos State Command, Mr Umar Manko also promised to assist Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company by working out strategies to combat vandalism. He urged all Nigerians to see be involved in the process of protecting infrastructure that will enhance economic growth and development in Nigeria.
“We are all in this together and we will support efforts geared towards protecting lives and property in Nigeria,” he said.
