The Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) has cut off electricity to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) base in Lagos, citing unpaid debts.
The disconnection has plunged the military facility into darkness, igniting a dispute that threatens operational efficiency and national security.
Investigations reveal a complex standoff between the two parties, with allegations of broken agreements, overpayments, and operational risks dominating the conversation.
Sources within the NAF base disclosed that an initial arrangement had been struck with IKEDC, where the Air Force agreed to pay N60 million monthly for a guaranteed 10 to 12 hours of daily power supply.
Despite reportedly honoring this commitment, the base has faced extended outages, prompting questions about IKEDC’s reliability and fairness.
The power cut has disrupted critical operations, including medical services and water supply, leaving military personnel and their families in distress.
Security Risks Escalate Amid Rising Temperatures
The stakes are high at the Lagos base, where the absence of electricity has compromised the cooling systems for a warehouse storing high-caliber armaments.
A source, speaking anonymously to NAN, warned of catastrophic consequences, drawing parallels to the 2002 Ikeja Cantonment bomb blast that rocked Lagos. “The rising temperatures pose significant risks to these materials. A repeat disaster would be devastating for Ikeja and Lagos State,” the source cautioned.
The situation has heightened fears of a security breach, with the source labeling IKEDC’s actions as “unprofessional and unpatriotic.” The lack of power not only jeopardizes the safety of stored weaponry but also undermines the base’s ability to respond effectively to emergencies, amplifying concerns about national security.
Allegations of Overpayment
Adding fuel to the fire, the NAF source alleged that the Air Force overpaid IKEDC by N60 million in November and December, yet no refund or account reconciliation has been provided. “This is a blatant act of withholding power without justification,” the source asserted.
The claim suggests a breakdown in trust and communication, with the military accusing the utility company of exploiting the situation despite payments made in good faith.
The power outage has also taken a toll on the morale of military personnel and their families. “Electricity is not a luxury but a necessity for serving officers and their dependents,” the source emphasized. Frontline personnel, already burdened by operational demands, are reportedly “traumatized” by the hardships faced at home, raising the specter of broader discontent within the ranks. The source issued an ultimatum, urging IKEDC to restore power within 48 hours to avert further escalation.
IKEDC’s Defense
In response, IKEDC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Kingsley Okotie, offered a counter-narrative. He confirmed that the NAF base, serviced under a Band A feeder, is billed only for the hours of power supplied.
While acknowledging payments from the Air Force, Okotie insisted that a “substantial outstanding debt” remains unresolved. However, he clarified that the disconnection stemmed not solely from financial issues but from “other factors.”
Okotie pointed to logistical challenges, explaining that IKEDC had proposed infrastructure upgrades to enhance energy supply, but the NAF leadership has denied access for implementation. “The level of hostility within the barracks towards our staff is high,” he said, citing incidents of harassment that have hindered repair efforts. “We cannot work under such conditions,” he added, underscoring the need for cooperation to resolve the impasse.
A Call for Dialogue Amid Mounting Tensions
Okotie stressed that energy consumption must be paid for, noting that most military barracks within IKEDC’s jurisdiction have adopted the necessary infrastructure for efficient power management. “We don’t understand why this base should be an exception,” he remarked.
He called for an amicable resolution, urging the NAF to facilitate dialogue and grant access for installations to ensure stable electricity supply.
As the dispute drags on, the stakes continue to rise. The power outage not only disrupts daily life at the base but also poses a tangible threat to military readiness and public safety.
Stakeholders are pressing for a swift resolution to prevent the situation from spiraling into a full-blown crisis, with both sides under scrutiny to prioritize national interest over entrenched positions.
The standoff between IKEDC and the NAF base in Lagos underscores the delicate balance between utility services and national security.
With critical operations hampered, families in hardship, and the specter of a potential disaster looming, time is of the essence. Whether through negotiation or intervention, a resolution must be reached to restore power and trust, ensuring the safety and stability of one of Nigeria’s key military installations.
