Residents of Ogunbowale, Taiwo, and Adegbola streets in Lagos’ Ilasamaja area are raising concerns over a prolonged power outage that has left the community in darkness for more than a month, with many warning that the situation is fueling insecurity and economic hardship. The transformer serving the area developed a fault in late March and was taken by Ikeja Electric for repairs, but residents say there has been no update or timeline for its return.
On Tuesday, locals said repeated visits to Ikeja Electric’s Okota office have yielded only vague assurances. “Any time we visit the Okota office of Ikeja Electric, the ready-made answer is ‘we are working on it’,” said resident Tayo Adedayo, who described the situation as frustrating and unresolved.
The blackout has disrupted daily life and crippled small businesses that rely on electricity. Trader Elizabeth said the intense heat has made sleeping difficult while businesses such as hairdressing salons, barbershops, and welding shops have suffered heavy losses. She added that the high cost of fuel has made it impossible for many to rely on generators. “Many businesses are grounded because people need cold drinks and water, and those of us selling them have no sales,” she said.
Inside Lagos:
Gas Explosion Injures Attendant, Destroys Two Shops in Lagos
Three Dead, One Injured in Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Crash
Lagos Police Parade 118 Suspects Over Cultism, Robbery, Kidnapping
Police Arrest Hoodlums Over Machete-Wielding Chaos in Lagos
Police Rescue Nine Kidnap Victims on Benin–Lagos Highway
Residents also fear a spike in burglary and theft as the darkness makes shops and homes more vulnerable at night. The community said it has written letters, sent emails, and even staged a protest during a visit by government officials, but no action has been taken. Another resident, Babatunde Gabriel, said locals have now resorted to guarding Ikeja Electric’s cables themselves to prevent theft of electrical infrastructure.
When contacted, Ikeja Electric’s Head of Corporate Communications, Kingsley Okotie, appealed for patience, stating that the faulty transformer would be returned “within the shortest possible time.” He acknowledged the impact on customers and revenue but gave no specific restoration date.
About the Author
