The Federal Government is under criticism for its silence over recent military attacks on electricity distribution companies (Discos) and workers. The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has warned that continued assaults may lead to a nationwide service withdrawal.
Within one week, two Lagos-based Discos were attacked by military personnel, raising concerns over government inaction. The Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED) argued that if the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel who stormed Ikeja Electric (IKEDC) on March 6 had been sanctioned, the Nigerian Army might not have attacked an Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) substation in Badagry on March 14.
Ikeja Electric Attack
On March 6, NAF officers invaded IKEDC’s headquarters after the Disco disconnected power to their base due to an unpaid N4bn electricity bill. The personnel allegedly assaulted journalists and staff, vandalized property, and took away CCTV footage. ANED expressed frustration that despite evidence, no action had been taken against the responsible officers.
Eko Disco Invasion
Just days later, Nigerian Army personnel stormed an EKEDC substation in Badagry at 1:00 AM over a power outage. Soldiers reportedly abducted and brutalized two staff members before releasing them hours later. EKEDC had earlier informed customers, including the barracks, about a Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) upgrade affecting supply.
NUEE’s Warning
Condemning the repeated attacks, NUEE stated that electricity workers’ safety must be ensured, or they would be forced to withdraw services nationwide. The union decried increasing threats and assaults, calling on authorities to take action against the perpetrators.
ANED and NUEE have urged President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to intervene, warning that failure to address the situation could lead to further unrest and disruptions in power supply.
