Ikeja Electric: Lagos Resolves 528 Complaints, Recovers N26m

• The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency resolved 528 complaints against Ikeja Electric between January and September 2026.
• During this nine-month period, LASCOPA received 556 complaints, with 28 cases still pending.
• The agency facilitated over ₦26.2 million in credit adjustments and refunds for affected consumers.
• LASCOPA holds monthly stakeholders' parleys with Ikeja Electric to mediate consumer grievances.
• Consumers are advised to submit supporting documents with complaints and use official channels for redress.

The recovery of over ₦26 million in credit adjustments and refunds further illustrates the tangible benefits for consumers, reinforcing the critical role of regulatory bodies in ensuring fair practices.

The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) successfully addressed a significant number of consumer grievances against Ikeja Electric Distribution Company, resolving 528 complaints within a nine-month span. This period, from January to September 2026, saw the agency receive a total of 556 complaints directed at the electricity provider. Out of these, only 28 cases remain active, indicating a high rate of resolution for the issues brought forward by consumers.

Beyond just resolving disputes, LASCOPA also played a crucial role in securing financial redress for affected customers. The agency facilitated credit adjustments and refunds amounting to precisely ₦26,243,758.75. This substantial sum underscores the tangible impact of the agency's intervention in protecting consumer interests within the electricity sector.

LASCOPA operates under a clear mandate to safeguard consumer rights and promote accountability among service providers across Lagos State. This commitment is enshrined in the Lagos State Consumer Protection Law 2025, as amended, which guides the agency's actions. Afolabi Solebo, the General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of LASCOPA, has consistently affirmed the agency's dedication to fostering fairness, transparency, and improved service delivery, particularly within the vital electricity distribution sector.

The agency's proactive stance highlights the importance of robust regulatory oversight in ensuring that essential service providers meet their obligations to the public. By actively engaging with both consumers and companies like Ikeja Electric, LASCOPA aims to create an environment where consumer concerns are not only heard but also effectively addressed, aligning with its broader mission of consumer protection.

To manage the influx of complaints, LASCOPA employs a structured approach, receiving and analyzing grievances submitted through both online and offline channels. A key component of its dispute resolution strategy is the monthly stakeholders' parley, which convenes on the last Thursday of every month. This regular forum brings together officials from Ikeja Electric and affected consumers, offering a direct platform for airing grievances and working towards mutually acceptable agreements.

Yusuf Musiliu, who heads LASCOPA's Complaints and Mediation Department, emphasized the importance of consumers adhering to established procedures for seeking redress, cautioning against self-help measures. He advised individuals filing complaints to include all relevant supporting documentation, such as electricity bills and payment receipts, to expedite investigations and resolutions. Consumers are encouraged to report a range of issues, including billing disputes, estimated billing, overbilling, and general electricity supply problems.

The agency's efforts have yielded a remarkable resolution rate of approximately 95 percent for complaints against Ikeja Electric during the specified period. This high success rate demonstrates the efficacy of LASCOPA's mediation and intervention strategies. The recovery of over ₦26 million in credit adjustments and refunds further illustrates the tangible benefits for consumers, reinforcing the critical role of regulatory bodies in ensuring fair practices.

LASCOPA views these interventions as vital demonstrations of the importance of regulatory action, consumer advocacy, and mediation in resolving disputes and securing appropriate redress. The agency remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting consumers and promoting accountability among service providers, continually working to enhance the quality of service delivery within Lagos State's electricity sector. Residents can access assistance and report issues via a toll-free helpline, 080 0005 2726, available on weekdays, or through email.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH