Olusola Bello

The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), has called for additional power supply from the national grid to support commercial activities in Lagos state as industrialization remains key to job generation and economic growth.

Chairman of the DisCo, Oritsedere Otubu, made the call during a visit to some stakeholders in the power industry in Abuja.

This was in line with  Otubu’s agenda to foster cordial relations with stakeholders following his appointment as the new chairman of the leading electricity distribution company in Nigeria last month.

Accompanied by the Company’s MD/CEO Engr. Adeoye Fadeyibi; EKEDC Director, Ernest Oji; and some members of the management team, the Chairman visited the Ministry of Power, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Niger Delta Power Holding Company, and the Nigerian Electricity Liability Management Company (NELMCO).

The Company’s General Manager, Corporate Communications, Mr. Godwin Idemudia, stated that the focus of the new chairman is to improve the exemplary relationship between Eko DisCo and the stakeholders in the power sector as well as consolidate the achievements of his predecessor.

At the meetings,  Otubu appreciated the efforts of the various stakeholders towards Eko Disco and assured them of the Company’s support to improve electricity supply in the country.

He said, ‘this visit is essential to us as we want our stakeholders to see us for who we are. We want to be more involved in the various plans and projects by the Government in strengthening our network. It is important for us to work in collaboration with stakeholders to identify areas where we can get things better and effectively supply power to our customers. Eko DisCo must not only show that it is the leading Disco but also prove that the privatisation process of the power sector is a success.’

The Chairman also cited the recent power supply issue in Lagos due to the drop in generation which led to frequent load shedding in many areas under the DisCo. He described the network as a strategic one growing rapidly because of increased industrial and commercial activities which have brought about the demand for more power supply. Hence, the inability to even meet up with the existing demand poses a real crisis for the DisCo.

The Minister of Power, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu said the ministry is committed to sustainable power supply across the country and aligned with the Chairman’s call for more collaboration by the actors in the power sector.

The Minister expressed his confidence in the DisCo based on its track record of performance in the NESI especially on financial remittance.

He also explained that the Federal Government is currently working on projects to expand the capacity of the national grid to better serve not only Lagos but also the entire country.

The Director General of BPE, Mr. Alex Okoh, expressed his satisfaction towards the drive for more collaboration with stakeholders by EKEDC Chairman.

He stated that he is confident in the capacity and the competence of the new chair to take EKEDC to a greater level.

Okoh emphasised that Eko DisCo occupies a strategic franchise area in the power industry, thus such agenda is significant to the national economy and ensure that the intention of the privatisation process in making the sector more favourable to consumers and investors is achieved. He said he was impressed by how the Disco handled the recent power supply issues in Lagos and called on the other Discos to emulate such performance and carry along the Bureau in their decision-making process especially on key issues affecting the industry.

Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, the MD/CEO of TCN explained the importance of having adequate power supply in Lagos as the State consumes more than 50% of the power generated.

He equally assured Otubu that TCN will involve the Disco on the several ongoing projects to improve the electricity infrastructure as well as meet the Disco’s request of receiving more allocation from the national grid.