Lekki Phase 1 Locals Lament Two-Week Blackout, Seek EKEDC Intervention

Residents in certain sections of Lekki Phase 1 are voicing strong complaints over a protracted electricity disruption that has lasted nearly two weeks, stemming from a faulty transformer. They are also criticising the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) for what they perceive as neglect, inadequate communication, and a general lack of concern throughout the period of darkness.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, several residents highlighted their frustrations, stating that the extended outage has placed considerable financial strain on households. They reported instances of food spoilage and noted that reliance on personal generators has led to increased expenditure on fuel. An urgent appeal has been made to EKEDC management to reinstate power supply to Alhaji Hakeem Odumosu Street and other impacted zones within Lekki Phase 1.

Mr. Taiwo Bolodeoku, a resident, described the current state of affairs as both unsettling and discouraging. Bolodeoku stated, “It’s been nearly two weeks since a transformer servicing our home and many others in the vicinity exploded with a loud noise. We’ve received no updates, no apologies, and we’re left to ponder the situation as we wait indefinitely. EKEDC has been evasive, failing to provide any clear information or a timeline for the transformer’s repair.”

Mrs. Margaret Sogbesan, another affected resident, accused the EKEDC leadership of politicizing the issue. She expressed her frustration, saying, “The entire process feels convoluted. We’ve engaged with all relevant parties; they’ve offered updates and pledges to restore power, yet we remain without a resolution. It’s truly exasperating.”

In a similar vein, Mr. David Nezaya, another resident, lamented that life has become extremely difficult since the neighbourhood plunged into darkness almost two weeks prior. Nezaya, who works remotely, shared his plight: “I work from home, and it’s dreadful having to run my generator for extended periods. It’s incredibly frustrating. We implore EKEDC to take necessary action and restore our power so we can live comfortably. The high cost of petrol is already a burden, and the lack of electricity means we’re forced to buy fuel almost daily just to cope.”

Ms. Efe Obiomah also mentioned that she had to turn off her refrigerator due to the enduring power cut. She described the situation as “terrible and uncomfortable” and appealed to the electricity providers to restore supply.

Conversely, Mr. Adeyemi Razaq, an official with EKEDC, informed NAN that the company is actively working to reinstate power to the affected community within the current week. Razaq confirmed that the necessary materials for the transformer’s repair had been requested by the field staff and subsequently approved by the head office. However, he noted that these materials have not yet been disbursed to the workers. He offered a tentative timeline, stating, “Hopefully, I am promising next week. The materials may arrive on Monday. Hopefully, by Tuesday, they will come and carry out the job, before Wednesday or Thursday next week.”