Ikeja Electric Scrambles to Comply With FCCPC Directives Over Consumer Rights Violations

Ikeja Electric says it is cooperating with regulators to address concerns raised by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, which on Thursday sealed its headquarters over alleged consumer rights violations.

Kingsley Okotie, spokesman for the electricity firm, said the company was engaging all stakeholders to implement the directives issued by regulators.

Mr Okotie said, “We, as a responsible and law-abiding company, are fully engaging and cooperating with the FCCPC to resolve the issue in the best interest of all stakeholders. Just like the FCCPC and other regulatory authorities in our sector, Ikeja Electric remains committed to upholding and protecting the rights of our customers.

“We are engaging with the FCCPC alongside the affected customer and other concerned stakeholders to implement all directives issued. We kindly seek the commission’s understanding to unseal the premises and restore normal operations.”

FCCPC officials sealed the Ikeja Electric Distribution Company headquarters in the Alausa area of Lagos for alleged failure to comply with a directive from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.

According to the commission, NERC had ordered Ikeja Electric to unbundle a maximum demand account into 20 separate non-MD accounts, representing 19 residential units and a service point owned by a complainant, and to meter and connect each unit appropriately.

Idayat Olorungbe said the action followed several unsuccessful attempts to secure compliance.

She said the prolonged refusal left the complainant without a power supply for over 2.5 years, rendering the nineteen residential units unusable despite the customer fulfilling all financial obligations.

Ms Olorungbe said FCCPC engaged the company for months, issuing a detailed compliance directive in April 2025. When no steps were taken, a compliance notice was issued on October 2, 2025, with a seven-day ultimatum, which was also ignored.

She stressed that the enforcement was backed by Sections 17, 18, 124, 150 and 155 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018, which empower the commission to intervene and seal premises where violations persist.

“This is a proportionate enforcement measure taken only after repeated engagement and several opportunities for voluntary compliance. The seal will remain until Ikeja Electric fully complies with the directives issued by both NERC and the FCCPC and provides written evidence of compliance,” she said.

FCCPC reiterated that consumers are entitled to fair treatment, access to essential services and protection from unfair, coercive or negligent practices by service providers.

“The commission will continue to enforce the law to protect these rights and ensure that service providers meet their obligations,” Ms Olorungbe added.

(NAN)