Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has urged residents of Ibeju to prioritise safety as heavy rains heighten electricity-related risks in affected communities.

Rekhiat Momoh, acting chief executive officer of EKEDC, gave the advice during a customer forum held on Thursday in Lagos.

The Ibeju Business District covers Elemoro, Abijo, Sangotedo, Bogije, Sapphire Garden Estate, Eleko, and May Fair Gardens.

Represented by Joseph Esenwa, EKEDC’s chief financial officer, Momoh warned residents against approaching fallen poles or cables, stressing the danger of electrocution.

She noted that the forum bridges the gap between management and residents while addressing electricity distribution concerns.

Ms Momoh cautioned against mixing water and electricity, urging residents to report hazards promptly through the company’s customer care line or email.

“Stay away from fallen or exposed wires and keep clear of dangling cables near poles and streetlights.

“Do not handle appliances with wet hands or stand in electrically charged puddles,” she said.

She advised residents to avoid compromised infrastructure such as unprotected transformers and fallen poles, which could pose serious dangers.

“Maintain distance from power lines and avoid planting trees beneath them. Respect the Right-of-Way,” she said.

Ms Momoh emphasised that the persistent rainfall has created hazardous conditions, urging customers to avoid flooded or high-risk areas.

She also warned against using electrical appliances in wet conditions or near waterlogged areas.

Customers were urged to cooperate with EKEDC officials as they work to improve electricity supply and service delivery.

Ms Momoh strongly condemned meter bypassing and energy theft, warning that offenders would face prosecution after inspections.

She said customers should report hazards immediately, enabling faster response from EKEDC teams.

Additional staff, she assured, would be deployed to speed up fault resolution during the rainy period.

Ms Momoh urged customers to pay bills promptly, stressing that some communities owed significant debts.

She said EKEDC was also implementing projects to boost megawatt supply to Ibeju and neighbouring areas.

However, she lamented growing cases of vandalism and theft, which have cost EKEDC billions of naira.

“These illegal acts harm both the company and customers,” she said.

Joseph Idinyen, chairman of the Ibeju Customer Consultative Forum, praised EKEDC’s responsiveness and called for effective metering to replace estimated billing.

Similarly, Adewale Adeworoju, chairman of Lekki Residents Association, condemned energy theft and vandalism, describing perpetrators as enemies of society.

He stressed that safeguarding power infrastructure is essential for socio-economic growth and job creation. 

(NAN)