*Tasks DISCOs to address cases of poor meter distribution
Peter Uzoho and Gilbert Ekugbe
The Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, yesterday said President Bola Tinubu was determined to resolve the lingering power supply shortfall, energy theft, estimated billing, and stealing of power infrastructure.
Gbajabiamila, who also said Tinubu’s administration has been interfacing with stakeholders in the power sector towards addressing unstable power supply in the country, urged Nigerians to protect power infrastructure in their communities rather than damage them.
Gbajabiamila disclosed these in Lagos at the inauguration of two 20MVA injection substations in the Surulere area of the state, which were installed by the Eko Electricity Distribution Company Plc (EKEDC).
Represented by the lawmaker representing Lagos Central Senatorial District, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun, Gbajabiamila said that President Tinubu was also concerned about cases of energy theft, estimated billing, and stealing of power infrastructure.
He said the citizens must protect power infrastructure in their various communities as the federal government expects the electricity distribution companies (Discos) to address cases of estimated billing and poor meter distribution.
“As we always say, access to reliable electricity is not a privilege; it is a fundamental right that drives productivity, fosters innovation, and improves the quality of life for all citizens. I like that the mantra of Eko Disco resonates with that,” Gbajabiamila said.
Gbajabiamila stated: “It is with immense pride and excitement that I stand before you today on this momentous occasion of the commissioning of the Randle 2 X 20MVA Injection Substation located in and for the use of the good people of my very own constituency, Surulere, Lagos.
The Chief of Staff pointed out that the inauguration of the injection substations was a testament to the power of partnership and the tireless efforts of all stakeholders involved.
He stressed that the government’s collaboration with Eko Disco alongside other stakeholders, had been pivotal in bringing the project to fruition.
“We have demonstrated what can be achieved when public and private entities join forces with a shared purpose. As earlier mentioned, one of the two units of the 20MVA Injection substations was facilitated during my tenure as Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives to restate our commitment to the improvement of electricity supply in our community,” he revealed.
In his remarks at the event, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, said, “We are working very well to ensure that in the coming years, there will be segments in this city that would say goodbye to darkness. Pay bills, don’t beat up staff, don’t bypass meters or involved in anything that would hinder their business.”
On his part, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of EKEDC, Dr. Dere Otubu, said the company, being an advocate of improving the quality of lives of Lagos residents, was positioned to ensure the sustenance of the feat that had brought happiness to the people of the area.
Otubu said: “For this reason, we are here to witness the commissioning of the 2 by 20 MVA injection substation which will help boost power availability and supply to Lagos, especially, the residents of the Surulere Constituency.
“Light brings happiness, growth, development, and economic empowerment. Over the years, there have been tales of instability of power supply, but it has been resolved. For this project, the efforts of everyone from inception to completion are commendable. We urge the Surulere people to ensure that it is protected.”
