IBEDC Vows to Enhance Electricity Supply and Customer Satisfaction

The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving electricity supply and service delivery across its franchise areas, pledging renewed investments in network infrastructure, customer engagement, and metering expansion. This assurance comes amid growing public frustration over inconsistent power supply and challenges faced by distribution companies nationwide.

Speaking at a recent media briefing, IBEDC’s Managing Director, Engineer Kingsley Achife, said the company was implementing a series of strategic initiatives aimed at stabilizing electricity distribution and enhancing operational efficiency. He noted that despite economic constraints and sector-wide liquidity issues, IBEDC remains dedicated to delivering improved electricity services to its customers spread across Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Kwara, and parts of Niger, Ekiti, and Kogi States.

Achife emphasized that the company had intensified efforts to upgrade its aging distribution infrastructure to reduce technical losses and minimize power interruptions. According to him, IBEDC has been replacing obsolete equipment, reinforcing feeder lines, and installing new transformers in key areas to ensure better voltage supply and reliability. He added that these investments were critical to achieving the company’s short- and long-term performance goals under the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) Service-Based Tariff regime.

“We are not unaware of the challenges our customers face, and we are working tirelessly to address them. Our goal is to ensure that every customer gets fair value for what they pay. We have made considerable progress in network rehabilitation and are leveraging technology to enhance service delivery and communication,” Achife stated.

The managing director explained that one of the company’s priorities for 2025 is the acceleration of the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) and National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP) projects. These initiatives, he said, are intended to eliminate estimated billing and foster customer trust through transparent and accurate energy measurement. He disclosed that IBEDC had distributed thousands of prepaid meters in recent months and plans to scale up the exercise to cover all unmetered customers within its network by the end of 2026.

Achife also revealed that the company was collaborating with key stakeholders, including the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and generation companies (GenCos), to enhance power flow and distribution. He noted that the success of the power value chain depends on synergy among operators and timely settlement of market obligations to ensure steady supply.

While acknowledging the current challenges posed by low generation and grid instability, the IBEDC boss appealed for customers’ understanding, stressing that the company could only distribute what it receives from the national grid. He added that efforts were ongoing to reduce downtime during load shedding and that communication channels had been strengthened to provide real-time updates to customers.

“We are constantly engaging with the TCN and generation companies to ensure that our customers get their fair share of available power. At the same time, we are exploring alternative energy solutions and embedded generation options that will supplement grid supply and improve overall service reliability,” he said.

In addition to improving infrastructure, Achife disclosed that IBEDC had embarked on internal reforms aimed at improving staff performance, customer service, and corporate accountability. He mentioned that a robust feedback system had been implemented to track customer complaints and ensure timely resolution, while customer care centers were being upgraded to handle inquiries efficiently.

To promote safety and curb electricity theft, IBEDC also launched community sensitization campaigns across its coverage areas. The campaigns educate residents on the dangers of illegal connections, energy theft, and vandalism of power installations. Achife warned that such acts not only endanger lives but also contribute to revenue losses that hinder infrastructure investment and service expansion.

On revenue collection, the company noted steady improvement due to enhanced customer engagement and digital payment platforms. IBEDC has introduced mobile apps, USSD services, and bank integrations to simplify bill payments and reduce physical visits to its offices. Achife explained that these digital solutions have improved efficiency and encouraged prompt payments from customers.

Energy experts have commended the company’s renewed commitment to infrastructure improvement and metering, noting that such initiatives are key to addressing long-standing inefficiencies in Nigeria’s power distribution sector. They, however, stressed the need for stronger regulatory enforcement, fair tariff structures, and consistent policy direction from government authorities to sustain progress.

In his closing remarks, Achife reiterated that IBEDC remains determined to fulfill its mandate of providing reliable electricity to all its customers despite current sectoral challenges. He assured stakeholders that the company would continue to invest in modern technology, staff training, and customer relations to ensure lasting improvement.

He urged customers to support the company by reporting illegal activities, paying bills promptly, and using electricity responsibly. “Power supply can only improve if all stakeholders play their part,” he said. “We are committed to serving you better and making steady progress toward a more reliable and efficient electricity distribution network.”

 

With renewed focus on innovation, collaboration, and accountability, IBEDC’s pledge signals a stronger push toward achieving sustained power supply improvement and better customer experience across its service areas. The coming months are expected to show how these commitments translate into tangible results for millions of Nigerian households and businesses that depend on electricity for growth and development.