Ikeja Electric Sued for Failing to Deliver Promised 20-Hour Power Supply—Falana
Lagos, Nigeria — Renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana has initiated legal action against Ikeja Electric Plc for breaching its commitment to provide 20 hours of uninterrupted power daily to Band “A” customers.
The approval to proceed with the suit was granted by Justice Lewis Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Lagos, following an application filed by Mr. Tope Alabi, a representative from Falana & Falana Chambers.
In the court documents, supported by a sworn affidavit from NBA Ikeja legal officer, Ms. Titilayo Omolasho, Falana seeks a writ of mandamus compelling Ikeja Electric to provide information on its compliance with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) directive.
Ms. Omolasho explained that Ikeja Electric implemented a customer categorization system in April 2024, dividing consumers into Bands “A,” “B,” “C,” and “D” with corresponding tariff adjustments. Band “A” customers, including Falana, were initially charged N225 per kWh, later revised to N206.80 per kWh on May 6, 2024.
The affidavit further claims that Ikeja Electric has consistently failed to fulfill its promise of 20-hour daily electricity supply to Band “A” customers despite charging premium tariffs.
Falana’s legal team also alleged that in a letter dated May 24, 2024, the activist formally requested detailed compliance records from Ikeja Electric, a request that the company has yet to honor.
“The respondent has failed, refused, or neglected to provide the requested information,” the affidavit stated, “and no explanation has been given for this non-compliance.”
The case underscores rising public frustration over inadequate service delivery by power distribution companies in Nigeria, despite regulatory directives and increasing tariffs.
By Enoch Odesola| January 26, 2025