Settle high electricity debts by military, NECA urges govt

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association has urged the Federal Government to swiftly address the mounting electricity debt owed by military bases across the country.

According to a statement issued on Friday, this call comes in the wake of a violent attack by Airforce personnel from the Sam Ethan Airforce Base, Ikeja, on Ikeja Electric offices in Isolo and Alausa, Lagos, following the disconnection of power to the base over unpaid bills running into billions of naira.

The brutal attack, which occurred on Wednesday, March 6, 2025, left several Ikeja Electric employees injured and company properties vandalized.

NECA noted that the incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with economic stakeholders warning of its grave implications for Nigeria’s democratic governance and investment climate.

Speaking on the matter, NECA’s Director-General, Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, strongly condemned the attack, describing it as unlawful and a serious threat to Nigeria’s investment environment.

He emphasised that such impunity sends a dangerous signal to both local and foreign investors, discouraging economic growth and job creation.

“It is unfortunate that while the Federal Government is making efforts to stimulate economic growth and employment, some individuals are deliberately undermining these efforts,” Oyerinde stated.

The NECA DG further stressed that Ikeja Electric, as a private business, operates lawfully and has every right to demand payment for services rendered.

“The company, which employs over 2,600 workers, plays a critical role in Nigeria’s energy sector, and its financial sustainability should not be jeopardized by unpaid government debts,” he stated.

Oyerinde urged the Federal Government, through the Ministries of Finance and Defence, to intervene immediately by settling the outstanding debts to prevent further disruptions to the electricity supply of military establishments.

He also called for a broader audit of all military bases’ electricity debts nationwide to prevent a recurrence of such attacks on electricity distribution companies.

“This national embarrassment must not be repeated. The government must take immediate action to resolve this crisis and ensure military establishments fulfill their financial obligations to service providers,” he added.

With Nigeria’s fragile economy already, Oyerinde warned that unchecked impunity against private businesses could worsen investor confidence.

“NECA’s warning serves as a crucial reminder that economic stability and democratic governance depend on a transparent and accountable system where all entities, including the military, uphold their financial responsibilities,” he added.