Residents Demand Urgent Action from Ikeja Electric After Over Three Months of Total Power Outage
Residents and business owners across six streets in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State — Raji Oba, Awoyemi, Folarin, Ajala, Olonade, and Akinshola — have raised the alarm over a persistent power outage that has lasted more than three months, crippling economic activities and posing serious security threats.
According to residents, the blackout, which began in the second week of March 2025, followed the removal of a faulty transformer that has yet to be replaced or repaired by the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC). The affected areas fall under the Band A power supply category, which entitles them to 20 to 24 hours of electricity daily — a promise that has been completely unmet for over 90 days.
Speaking to our correspondent, residents expressed frustration over the continued silence and inaction from IKEDC despite several formal complaints and follow-ups.
One resident, Michael, described the situation as dire, noting that the blackout has affected everything from small businesses to access to clean water. “So, we are pleading as a community, as one, for Ikeja Electric and the appropriate authorities to listen to our cries to save our communities,” he said. “Olonade-Akinsola and other streets have always been peaceful, and we want it to remain that way.”
Another resident, Mama Chioma, lamented the devastating impact on daily life. “We have been in total blackout for over three months, crippling businesses. We are pleading with IKEDC to urgently address this,” she said.
Security has also become a growing concern, as residents say the prolonged darkness has emboldened criminal elements who now operate freely under the cover of night.
The community had earlier written a formal complaint to IKEDC in a letter dated March 16, titled: “Urgent Request for Band A Intervention on Prolonged Power Outage in Our Community.” In the letter, the Olonade-Akinsola Community Association emphasized that several complaints lodged at the company’s customer service and local office had yielded no results.
“The power failure has severely impacted our daily activities, businesses, healthcare services, and overall well-being in these six streets,” the letter read in part. “We are yet to receive a clear response regarding an estimated time for restoration. The continuous blackout has caused significant discomfort, economic losses, and heightened security concerns within our community.”
The association has now called on the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to intervene and compel IKEDC to restore power to the area without further delay.
As the blackout persists, residents say they remain hopeful but weary, urging relevant authorities to prioritize their plight and bring an end to what they describe as an “avoidable hardship.”
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