Ikeja Electric, Eko DisCo warn of load-shedding, unstable supply
Lagos State residents have raised concerns and expressed frustration as they brace for another round of unstable power supply, following plans by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to commence a major infrastructure upgrade on the Omotosho–Ikeja West 330kV transmission line.
The upgrade will last for 25 days. Despite these assurances, electricity distribution companies (DisCos) have issued notices of supply disruptions and load shedding within the period to customers.
However, while the planned intervention is seen as a step toward modernising the national grid and improving operational efficiency, many consumers have expressed concern over the timing and expected disruptions — particularly as the state continues to face challenges of inconsistent power supply and increased reliance on self-generation.
A frozen food seller in Igando, Mrs Tope Adeniran, decried the potential impact, saying: “We rely on electricity to keep our goods from spoiling. With this kind of disruption, we may suffer losses if there’s no light for hours.”
A resident of Ipaja, Miss Nneka, described the planned 25-day exercise as another blow to Lagos State residents already struggling with unstable power and soaring fuel prices.
In similar vein, Femi Olabode, a barbing salon owner in Igando, said considering the already unstable supply, the intermittent supply isn’t good news.
“This is not good news for us at all. Power is already unstable, and now they want us to endure another 25 days of daily cuts? Even fuel is too expensive now, so what are we expected to do? Does it mean we increase the cost of our services within the period?” he asked.
Meanwhile, despite the frustrations, General Manager, Public Affairs at TCN Ndidi Mbah, said that the OPGW installation was part of broader efforts to enhance grid visibility and remote monitoring capability under the SCADA framework, a system considered crucial for detecting faults, improving dispatch decisions, and preventing widespread blackouts.
“The installation of OPGW fibre cable will enable the full operationalisation of SCADA, which supports real-time monitoring and grid management,” she said.
