Lekki Residents Decry Two-Week Power Outage, Urge EKEDC to Restore Supply

Residents of Lekki Phase 1 in Lagos are expressing deep frustration over a prolonged power outage that has crippled activities in their neighborhood for nearly two weeks. The blackout, caused by a transformer fault, has imposed considerable financial burdens and daily inconveniences on the community.

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It has been almost two weeks now since a transformer blew up with a loud bang. The transformer services our home and quite a number of other houses in the area.

Residents voiced their displeasure in interviews, condemning what they described as negligence, a lack of communication, and indifference from the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC). The extended outage has led to spoiled food items and forced those reliant on private generators to spend significantly more on fuel. Many are struggling to maintain essential services and conduct daily activities without consistent electricity.

Mr. Taiwo Bolodeoku described the situation as "disturbing and disheartening," noting the transformer servicing his home and numerous others blew up almost two weeks ago. He lamented the absence of information or apologies from EKEDC, stating, "EKEDC has just been going back and forth without providing information or a plan on when the transformer will be fixed."

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No information has been given, no apology has been sent out, and we wonder what is going on as we continue to wait endlessly.

Another resident, Mrs. Margaret Sogbesan, accused EKEDC management of "playing politics with the situation," highlighting broken promises to restore power. Mr. David Nezaya, who works from home, called the situation "terrible" and "frustrating," emphasizing the daily struggle of powering his generator amid high fuel prices. Ms. Efe Obiomah also expressed her discomfort, having been forced to switch off her refrigerator.

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EKEDC has just been going back and forth without providing information or a plan on when the transformer will be fixed.

An EKEDC official, Mr. Adeyemi Razaq, assured that the company is working to restore power within the week. He stated that necessary materials for the transformer repair have been requested and approved but are awaiting release. Razaq expressed hope that the materials would arrive by Monday, with repairs potentially completed by Tuesday or Wednesday.

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The system is somehow. We have spoken to everyone that needs to be spoken to; they have given updates and made promises to restore power, but here we are, still without a solution. So, it is really frustrating.