” Protection, Safety of EKEDC facilities is everyone’s responsibility” – CEO
By Yunus Yusuf
The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has called on all stakeholders—including customers, communities, and government agencies—to actively participate in protecting and ensuring the safety of electricity infrastructure across its operational region.
Mrs Rekhiat Momoh, the Acting Chief Executive Officer, gave this advice during a customer engagement forum held at the Orile Business District on Thursday in Lagos.
The Business intelligence (TBI AFRICA) reports that Orile Business District includes: Coker, Aguda, Orile, Surulere, Sanya, Doyin Sanya, and Ikate.
Momoh represented by the General Manager, Revenue Cycle, Commercial, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulkadir, said the call was made as part of EKEDC’s renewed commitment to operational excellence and public safety.
She emphasised that safeguarding power facilities—including transformers, cables, substations and feeders—is not the sole responsibility of the electricity distribution company but a collective duty of all citizens.
“The security and integrity of our infrastructure directly affect the quality and consistency of power supply to homes, businesses, and industries.
” Vandalism, energy theft and encroachment on our installations do not just affect EKEDC—they disrupt lives and hamper economic growth. We must all rise to protect what serves us,” she said.
The CEO’s message came amid rising incidents of vandalism and theft of electrical equipment in parts of the areas which fall under EKEDC’s coverage .
Momoh urged electricity consumers within the network to adopt energy conservation practices to reduce their electricity bills and promote a more efficient power distribution system.
She stressed that energy conservation is a shared responsibility between the utility provider and consumers.
“Responsible energy usage not only help households and businesses, save money but also improves the overall efficiency and reliability of power distribution,” she added.
She explained that the town hall meeting aimed to bring services closer to customers and create a platform to address challenges related to electricity supply within the communities.
“As part of its efforts, EKEDC has launched a sensitisation campaign to educate customers on the importance of using electricity wisely.
“The campaign encourages consumers to adopt simple but effective steps, including switching off appliances when not in use, replacing incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED lights
“Avoiding overloading electrical sockets, using energy-saving appliances and devices and limiting the use of heavy-duty appliances during peak hours,” she said.
Momoh said: “Our goal is to empower customers with the knowledge to manage their electricity usage effectively.
“By adopting simple energy-saving habits, customers can significantly reduce their electricity bills while contributing to a more stable and efficient power supply system,”she added.
She noted that rising energy demands and limited generation capacity continue to put pressure on the national grid.
“Energy conservation is essential not only for individual financial benefits but also to ensure that available power is distributed more equitably across all communities.”
Momoh reiterated EKEDC’s commitment to providing reliable electricity services, emphasising that sustainable energy management requires cooperation from all stakeholders.
She also announced plans to increase engagement with residential and commercial customers through community forums, digital outreach, and collaboration with consumer advocacy groups
“These efforts aim to reinforce the message of energy conservation and encourage customers to play active role in improving power sector outcomes.
“We believe educating our customers is just as important as investing in infrastructure,” she added.
Highlighting Nigeria’s ongoing electricity supply challenges, Momoh said EKEDC’s call for energy conservation is a proactive step toward cost reduction and system stability.
She urged all consumers to take practical steps in reducing their energy consumption for the benefit of both their wallets and the power grid.
Addressing concerns over prepaid meter installers’ alleged extortion, Momoh assured consumers that EKEDC will engage with the meter installers to resolve these lingering issues.
On the issue of meter bypassing, she urged community leaders and consumers to ensure the adequate protection of electricity facilities and to cooperate with EKEDC staff in preventing illegal meter bypassing.
“The company has constituted a secret monitoring team to inspect properties where meters are bypassed or electricity is illegally connected.
“We urge everyone to act as watchdogs over our electricity infrastructure—once a facility is vandalized, it affects everyone,” she stressed.
Mr Patrick Abuda, Head of Health, Safety and Environment at EKEDC, cautioned the public against erecting structures or trading near power lines and electrical installations, warning that such actions expose individuals to the risk of electrocution.
He explained that proximity to transformers, electric poles, or power lines violates existing laws and those residing in such areas should vacate immediately to protect their lives and property.
“This warning is necessary because these violations are often carried out with impunity despite the associated dangers,” he said.
Momoh further disclosed that EKEDC has invested millions of naira over the past year in personal protective equipment (PPE) and in conducting occupational health and safety training for employees.
She reiterated the company’s commitment to fostering a value-driven safety culture that surpasses regulatory requirements to build a world-class safety-conscious environment.
Meanwhile, some residents of Orile have appealed to EKEDC to reclassify them from Band A to Band B, especially low-income earners and those in the areas where power supply falls short of the minimum 20 hours per day stipulated for Band A customers.
They cited widespread dissatisfaction with electricity quality despite paying higher tariffs associated with Band A.
In his remarks, Mr Ogunmola Anthony, Chairman of Coker North, commended EKEDC’s engagement initiative and urged that all customer concerns be given equal attention.
“We appreciate EKEDC’s efforts and encourage continued cooperation.
“We urge the company to prioritise customer satisfaction while reminding customers to fulfill their payment obligations promptly,” he said.
