- The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) base in Lagos faces power disconnection by IKEDC, raising concerns over weapon storage safety, medical services, and personnel welfare.
- NAF claims full payment with overcharges, while IKEDC insists on outstanding debts and restricted access for infrastructure upgrades, calling for dialogue to resolve the issue.
Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) reportedly disconnected power from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) base in Lagos over alleged unpaid electricity debts. This development, confirmed by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has raised serious security concerns and disrupted essential operations at the base.
According to NAN investigations, the power outage has left the Air Force base in complete darkness, affecting military personnel, operational efficiency, and critical services. Sources within the base revealed that NAF agreed with IKEDC to pay ₦60 million monthly for 10 to 12 hours of electricity supply daily.
However, despite fulfilling its financial obligations, the base reportedly suffered prolonged blackouts before IKEDC cut the supply entirely. A source, speaking anonymously, described the disconnection as “unfair and unjustified.”
One of the biggest concerns is the safety of high-calibre armaments stored in the base’s operational warehouse. Rising temperatures due to failed cooling systems could lead to catastrophic consequences.
“The Ikeja Cantonment bomb blast of 2002 is still fresh in our minds,” the source warned. “A repeat of such a disaster would be devastating for Ikeja and Lagos State at large.”
The source alleged that NAF had overpaid its bill by ₦60 million in November and December without receiving a refund or account reconciliation from IKEDC.
“This is a blatant act of withholding power without justification,” the source added. “It is unprofessional and unpatriotic, with dire consequences for national security.”
The power cut has severely impacted military personnel and their families living on the base. The lack of electricity has disrupted water supply, medical facilities, and daily life.
“Electricity is not a luxury but a necessity,” the source emphasised. “Frontline personnel are traumatised by the hardship their families are enduring.”
He warned that the situation could escalate, urging IKEDC to restore power within 48 hours to prevent further disruptions.
Responding to the allegations, IKEDC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mr Kingsley Okotie, stated that NAF was billed only for the hours of power supplied under a Band-A feeder.
He acknowledged that some payments had been made but insisted that a substantial outstanding debt remained.
“Technically, they are disconnected, but the reason is not primarily financial,” Okotie explained. “Other factors, including restricted access to installations, have contributed to the issue.”
He claimed that IKEDC recommended energy efficiency upgrades, but the base leadership denied access to implement them.
“The hostility within the barracks is high,” Okotie said. “Our staff has faced harassment and threats. We cannot work under such conditions.”
Okotie urged NAF to facilitate dialogue to resolve the dispute, emphasising that all energy consumed must be paid for.
“Nearly all military barracks under our jurisdiction have installed necessary infrastructure,” he said. “We don’t understand why this base should be an exception.”
He stressed the need for proper installations and system upgrades to improve power supply. “If we are not given access, we cannot make progress,” Okotie concluded.
Tensions are rising, and stakeholders are pushing for a quick resolution before the dispute escalates. If unresolved, this power cut could jeopardise military operations, compromise national security, and worsen conditions for personnel and their families.
The coming days will determine whether NAF and IKEDC can reach an agreement or if this crisis will deepen, further straining Nigeria’s power and security sectors.