The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Ikeja Electric Distribution Company (IE) have opened talks over the prolonged power outage at the Sam Ethnam Base, Ikeja.
The blacout has raised security concerns at the Base, home to NAF Logistics Command.
The Base, which also houses NAF’s critical military hardwares and logistics supply, has been without power for about two weeks, it was gathered yesterday.
It was also learnt that the NAF’s cooling systems used to maintain bombs, rockets and other military grade firepower have been without supply , leading to an increase in the temperature of these weapons.
Already, residents, including personnel, are apprehensive, and said to have become apprehensive and they want the authorities to address the situation.
It was gathered that the personnel residing close to areas housing these facilities were being relocated as a precautionary measure.
“There are indications that some officers have taken leave while others have sought redeployment. The uncertainty is worrisome, and we cannot afford to take risks when dealing with high-explosive materials,” said a source who pleaded anonymity.
He said the power supply with Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) has been a source of concern for sometime.
“We have been having issues with Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) for over two years. The company has continuously provided epileptic power supply despite our commitment to paying our electricity bills.
“This base is not just a residential area; it houses critical military equipment that requires constant cooling to prevent overheating and potential explosions.”
A senior officer who also lamented about the situation, said the NAF pays an average of N60m monthly as electricity bill to enjoy stable supply but receives barely 10 to 12 hours of electricity.
“In November 2024, our electricity bill was N48.4 million, yet we paid an excess amount of N60 million. Despite this, power supply has remained erratic. It is unacceptable that a military installation is subjected to such neglect.
“Ikeja Electricity is a service organisation with an expected high level of responsibility to the public. Unfortunately, their conduct falls short of what is expected from a company responsible for national security-sensitive installations,” the source added.”
Apart from the operational warehouse that stores ammunition, other essential services such as medical facilities and water supply for personnel and surrounding communities have also been significantly disrupted due to the blackout.
A retired military engineer, Group Captain John Adewale (rtd.), emphasized the potential dangers of prolonged power outages at ammunition depots.
“Ammunition storage facilities must be kept at controlled temperatures. Without proper cooling, there is an increased risk of unplanned detonation due to heat buildup. This is a serious national security concern,” he said.
Also, a security analyst, Dr. Charles Onah, criticised the failure to prioritize military installations in power supply distribution.
“Military bases should never experience blackouts. The government and power distribution companies must recognize the security implications of their actions. The Ikeja explosion of 2002 was a national tragedy. We cannot afford another disaster of that magnitude,” he said.
The Head, Corporate Communications, Ikeja Electric, Kingsley Okotie, explained that the utility has had a lot of conversation with the NAF Base on the incident.
According to him, the NAF Base has enjoyed tremendous electricity supply until the unfortunate development.
He said the facility had been enjoying about 70 per cent of energy supply to the feeder serving the area.
Okotie added that the Base is currently out due to a fault that needs to be addressed. He, however, regretted that as much as the IKEDC is ready and willing to address the fault, the NAF Base personnel have refused to grant its officials access to their premises.
“The NAF is our customer and we owe them a duty to provide them quality service, which we have been doing. We are all in this together and we feel their pains. However, we need to have access to rectify the fault. We have written reminders to the Base; we have had a lot of agreements, but if we are not given access into their facility, how then do we rectify the fault? So, they should give us access,” Okotie pleaded.
However, there are indications that the issue may also not be unconnected with that of bill payment, which has remained contentious between both parties.
Okotie, who declined to comment on this, merely said: “It is purely a customer and service provider affair; every matter will be resolved amicably as we are eager to resolve the matter and ensure we restore quality service to our esteemed customer.”
