The Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED) has condemned the alleged manhandling of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (Disco) staff by Nigerian Army personnel in Badagry, Lagos State. The incident occurred amid ongoing power supply upgrades aimed at improving electricity distribution across the state.
Sunday Oduntan, CEO of ANED, disclosed that Eko Disco had informed the Army barracks in Badagry about a planned power outage necessary for the upgrade. Despite prior notification, the situation escalated when Army personnel reportedly assaulted Eko Disco staff working on the project.
Details of the Incident
Oduntan explained that the power outage was part of a scheduled upgrade to increase electricity supply across Lagos State. “We are currently carrying out an upgrade to increase power supply across Lagos State. We had informed the Army in Badagry about the planned power outage for the scheduled period,” he stated.
However, the planned outage reportedly led to tensions, culminating in the alleged assault on Eko Disco staff by Army personnel. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of utility workers and the need for better communication between government agencies and service providers.
Implications for Power Sector Operations
The assault on Eko Disco staff highlights the challenges faced by electricity distribution companies in carrying out essential infrastructure upgrades. Such incidents not only endanger the lives of workers but also disrupt critical projects aimed at improving power supply for consumers.
Oduntan emphasized the importance of collaboration between the military and utility companies to ensure the smooth execution of power sector projects. He called for improved dialogue and understanding to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Calls for Investigation and Accountability
ANED has called for a thorough investigation into the incident and urged the Nigerian Army to hold the responsible personnel accountable. The association also stressed the need for enhanced security measures to protect utility workers during field operations.
“The safety of our staff is paramount. We urge all stakeholders to respect the work being done to improve power supply and ensure that such incidents do not recur,” Oduntan said.
Broader Implications for Public-Private Relations
The incident underscores the broader challenges of public-private collaboration in Nigeria’s power sector. Frequent clashes between utility companies and government agencies, including the military, hinder efforts to address the country’s persistent electricity challenges.
Experts have called for clearer guidelines and protocols to govern interactions between utility companies and security agencies. They argue that such measures are essential to fostering a conducive environment for infrastructure development and service delivery.
Next Steps
As investigations into the incident continue, stakeholders are urging the Nigerian Army and Eko Disco to resolve the matter amicably. The power sector remains critical to Nigeria’s economic growth, and incidents like this threaten to derail progress in addressing the nation’s electricity deficits.
ANED has reiterated its commitment to working with all stakeholders to improve power supply across the country. However, the association emphasized that such efforts require the cooperation and support of all parties, including security agencies.
