The Nigerian electricity distribution sector has recently been plagued by a series of alarming incidents involving military attacks on Distribution Companies (DisCos). These attacks, carried out by personnel from both the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Army, have raised serious concerns among stakeholders about the safety and security of electricity infrastructure and personnel, as well as the potential negative impact on investment in the sector. The attacks, occurring within a week of each other in Lagos, have targeted both Ikeja Electric (IKEDC) and Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), leaving injured civilians and damaged facilities in their wake.
The first incident involved the invasion of IKEDC’s corporate headquarters by Nigerian Air Force personnel from the Sam Ethnan Air Force Base. This attack, seemingly motivated by a disputed N4 billion debt owed by the Air Force, saw the forceful disconnection of power supply and the subsequent forceful reconnection by military personnel. The second attack, occurring shortly after the first, targeted an EKEDC substation in Badagry following a power outage. These aggressive actions by the military have been met with widespread condemnation and calls for immediate government intervention.
Stakeholders have expressed deep concern over the Federal Government’s perceived inaction in addressing these attacks. The silence from the presidency, the Ministry of Defence, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the Chief of Defence Staff has been interpreted as tacit approval of the military’s actions. This lack of response has further fueled anxieties about the rule of law and the potential for escalating violence against utility companies. Experts warn that the government’s failure to act decisively may embolden other institutions to resort to similar tactics to resolve their grievances, creating a dangerous precedent.
The repeated attacks on DisCos have raised fears of a chilling effect on potential investors. The unstable security environment created by these incidents could deter both domestic and foreign investment, hindering the much-needed growth and development of the Nigerian power sector. Experts argue that such acts of aggression undermine the confidence of investors and create an unfavorable climate for business, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the already struggling electricity sector. The long-term consequences of these attacks could be devastating, impacting electricity supply reliability and hindering the country’s overall economic progress.
Professor Dayo Ayoade, an energy expert at the University of Lagos, has strongly urged the Federal Government to take immediate and decisive action to prevent further attacks. He argues that the government’s failure to address the initial attack on IKEDC emboldened the subsequent attack on EKEDC, establishing a dangerous pattern of impunity. He warned that without swift and decisive intervention, these attacks could escalate and spread to other utility companies as various institutions, burdened by high electricity bills, might resort to similar extrajudicial measures to address their grievances. This could lead to widespread disruption of essential services and a breakdown of law and order.
The Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED) has echoed these concerns, pointing to the escalating trend of military invasions of utility companies. ANED argues that the government’s inaction following the first attack sent a message of tolerance, encouraging the second attack. They have called for immediate sanctions against the military personnel involved in both incidents to deter future attacks and restore confidence in the rule of law. The Association emphasizes the need for a clear and unequivocal message from the Federal Government that such actions will not be tolerated. They advocate for dialogue and legal channels for resolving disputes, emphasizing the importance of upholding the sanctity of contracts and due process in all dealings between government agencies and private companies. The Association further stresses the need for a secure operating environment for DisCos to function effectively and attract the necessary investments to improve electricity supply in the country.
