Efforts to reform electricity delivery in Nigeria took centre stage as the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc (IBEDC) recently restated its drive to boost reliable service and deepen customer engagement across its operational zones. The renewed commitment was highlighted during a strategic breakfast meeting in Ibadan, drawing attention not just within Nigeria, but amongst energy enthusiasts across West Africa and beyond.
At the heart of this event was Engr. Francis Agoha, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of IBEDC, who addressed a gathering of key industry players and commercial clients at the Jogor Centre. The outreach, part of IBEDC’s activities for the upcoming 2025 Customer Service Week themed “Mission: Possible”, was designed to foster closer ties with the Maximum Demand (MD) category customers—businesses whose large-scale electricity needs are fundamental to urban and economic development in the region.
IBEDC’s initiative underscores both the complexity and the necessity of improving electricity provision in Nigeria. Historical challenges—ranging from outdated infrastructure and inadequate generation to systemic sectoral hurdles—have long tested the patience of businesses and households alike. According to a 2023 report by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the overall power sector recorded collections of over ₦250 billion in Q3 of 2022, yet supply inconsistencies and consumer dissatisfaction remain common talking points in the public sphere.
In his remarks at the meeting, Engr. Agoha described the session as “not only an opportunity to listen, but also to appreciate our loyal partners for their steadfastness, cooperation, and constant support.” He emphasized that large-scale consumers are integral to IBEDC’s growth and operational success. “This engagement helps us understand what you need to thrive, and it guides our investments in infrastructure and innovation,” he stated.
Strengthening the Electricity Network
IBEDC’s leadership took time to outline the major network rehabilitation and upgrade projects that are currently underway. These efforts target improved power quality for industrial operators, often hardest-hit by voltage instability and unpredictable outages. Engr. Agoha further revealed that, in order to confront known energy limitations, the company is exploring embedded generation and entering new partnerships to diversify sources and increase efficiency. These plans, if successful, would bring Nigeria’s energy system closer to what is seen in countries like Ghana and Senegal, where embedded generation is increasingly used to stabilize urban power supply.
West Africa as a whole faces similar challenges. According to the African Development Bank, less than 50% of the population in some regional countries have consistent access to electricity. Nigerian manufacturing hubs like those in Lagos or Ibadan, therefore, have much at stake when it comes to reforms like those being spearheaded by IBEDC.
Business Community Feedback: Praise and Persistent Worries
The interactive session in Ibadan drew managing directors and senior executives from top organizations and manufacturers operating within IBEDC’s extensive network. There was broad acknowledgment of recent improvements in service. One local business leader, Adamu Saliu, manager of Jagz Hotel, offered positive feedback: “We’ve noticed visible improvements in supply over the past months. Our production downtime has reduced significantly, which shows IBEDC is listening and acting.” His view was echoed by others who reported slight but meaningful progress in energy consistency.
However, participants didn’t shy away from voicing concerns. Mr. Moty Ganon, representing Agrited—a major agricultural and breeding firm—urged the utility company to address persistent voltage instability. “We appreciate IBEDC’s efforts to enhance power quality, but we appeal to Management to address frequent fluctuations,” he noted. Fluctuating supply can damage sensitive machinery and create uncertainty for firms dependent on around-the-clock production.
Ayodele Olusola of FoodCo Nigeria Ltd. found the direct engagement valuable, highlighting the company’s openness: “It’s refreshing to see IBEDC’s NOWAHALAZONE engaging directly with customers.” Such direct dialogues, industry experts suggest, could become a model for other distribution companies across the region as regulatory pressure for customer-centric reforms intensifies.
The Bigger Picture: Challenges and Road Ahead
Energy sector reform is rarely straightforward. Despite investments, grid reliability in Nigeria remains among the lowest per capita globally, according to World Bank statistics. Many businesses and residential customers continue to rely on generators, which contributes to environmental pollution and increases operational costs—especially with recent fluctuations in fuel prices.
Matthew Adeoye, a Lagos-based energy analyst, explains: “Distribution companies face tough obstacles—from vandalism and debts to constraints in upstream generation—but innovative customer engagement and clear communication can build trust.” He points to recent reforms in Ghana as a positive example, where clear communication has improved consumer confidence, even as technical problems persist.
IBEDC’s plan to replicate such stakeholder meetings in other regions may strengthen local buy-in, but implementation remains a challenge. According to industry reports, a significant number of Nigerian consumers still feel alienated from decision-making processes. For many, meaningful improvement hinges not just on technical fixes, but also on transparent two-way communication.
Global Perspective: Why Nigeria’s Power Struggles Matter
Nigeria’s energy sector is closely watched by investors and policy makers across Africa due to the country’s status as the region’s largest economy. Unreliable power limits growth potential and hinders goals outlined by the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which seeks industrialization and broad-based prosperity. According to the International Energy Agency, stabilizing electricity access is paramount if West Africa is to compete in a rapidly electrifying world economy.
Moreover, the integration of local distribution networks with regional power pools—such as the West Africa Power Pool—means that efforts in Nigeria can have ripple effects for neighbouring countries. Success stories or setbacks within IBEDC’s franchise could provide lessons for electrification drives from Accra to Abidjan.
Conclusion: Listening and Action as Keys to Progress
Responding to the feedback, Engr. Agoha vowed that IBEDC would use all suggestions from its stakeholders to inform ongoing upgrades. “Customer-centricity is at the heart of our operations. These conversations are vital in shaping a more reliable, trusted energy partnership,” he emphasized.
If IBEDC’s new customer engagement strategy succeeds, it could set a standard for similar utilities across Nigeria and West Africa, driving improvements for everyday citizens, businesses, and the regional economy. However, true transformation will require the company to follow through on its promises and address both infrastructural and communication gaps.
What changes have you seen in your community’s electricity supply? How can Nigerian power companies further improve the customer experience? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know what matters most to you.
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