The Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has announced that Ikeja Electric has successfully replaced all vandalised portions of the Agbowa feeder, leading to the full restoration of the power supply up to the substation in Epe.
This achievement reaffirms the Lagos State Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring reliable electricity for residents and businesses, in line with Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s broader efforts to enhance power infrastructure across the state.
The successful resolution of the issue is also a direct outcome of the commitments made during a series of stakeholders’ meetings convened to address the persistent challenge of vandalism.
The meetings, which have now been acknowledged as instrumental in resolving the crisis, were held at the conference room of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources in Alausa.
The Honourable Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, commended Ikeja Electric for swiftly addressing the challenge and fulfilling its promise to restore power.
He also urged local authorities and community leaders to collaborate in protecting critical infrastructure.
“Power infrastructure is a shared asset that drives economic growth and enhances the quality of life. We must all take responsibility for its security to prevent further disruptions,” he said.
Ogunleye acknowledged the invaluable contributions of key stakeholders who participated in various stakeholders’ meetings on the vandalization of power lines, cables, and energy infrastructures in the Epe axis, including Honourable Abiodun Tobun, Member, Lagos State House of Assembly representing Epe Constituency1; Engr. Abiola Olowu, Special Adviser, Office of Mineral Resources, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and Princess Surah Olayemi Animashaun, Chairman, Epe Local Government.
Others are Honourable Raji Anomo, Chairman, Ikosi-Ejirin LCDA; Honourable Monsuru Akinloye, Chairman of Eredo LCDA; Imam Abdul-Kabir, Imam, Ita Opo Central Mosque and Mr. Emmanuel Beruche Business Manager, Ikeja Electric Ikorodu Division, among others.
He, therefore, urged the leadership of Epe, Eredo, and Ejirin to reinforce security measures to safeguard critical power infrastructure, noting that protecting the assets is crucial to maintaining an uninterrupted electricity supply and preventing future incidents of vandalism.
In his words, “We commend the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for their consistent presence throughout the repair process. While we trust that other security agencies are actively engaged, we emphasise the need for enhanced night patrols to deter further sabotage.”
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. (Mrs.) Abiola Kosegbe reminded stakeholders that, under the Lagos State Electricity Law 2024, energy theft, vandalism of electricity infrastructure, illegal connections, meter bypass, and unauthorised tampering with power installations are criminal offences punishable under the law.