Ibeju-Lekki Youths decry years of power outage, demand urgent action

The Youths in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State have raised fresh concerns over persistent power outages that have left several communities in darkness for years, crippling businesses and worsening living conditions.

Despite hosting multi-billion-dollar projects such as the Dangote Refinery, Lekki Deep Sea Port, and the Free Trade Zone, many coastal and riverine communities in Ibeju-Lekki say they have been abandoned by electricity providers.

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Some of the Youths told The Lagos Voice that they have been without power for over six years, while others claim the blackout has lasted more than a decade.

It has become a developmental barrier – Youth Rights Activist

Com Prince Muhammed Jamiu Olayinka Olukoya Jnr, Youth Right Activist, Ibeju Lekki said, “The absence of reliable electricity is not just an inconvenience, it has become a developmental barrier. Families live in darkness, healthcare services are disrupted, and children find it difficult to study.”

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The situation has forced households and businesses to rely heavily on petrol and diesel generators, pushing up costs and exposing residents to noise and air pollution.

Traders dealing in perishable goods, including fish and frozen foods, say they have suffered repeated losses due to the lack of refrigeration.

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“The people of Ibeju-Lekki deserve the same access to reliable electricity as any other part of Lagos. With the right investments and policies, the coastal axis can not only light up its homes but also unlock massive economic opportunities,” Olukoya Jnr stressed.

We cannot be left in darkness – NYCN Lekki

Meanwhile, in a statement released by Amb. Olabanjo Sakiru Oriyomi, Coordinator of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lekki LCDA branch, the communities accused the government and power distribution companies of neglecting their needs while prioritising industrial clusters.

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“The Ibeju Lekki coastal axis cannot be left in darkness while hosting billion-dollar investments. The denial of reliable electricity to the people is not only a developmental injustice but also a barrier to unlocking the full socio-economic potential of Lagos State,” Oriyomi said.

The Youth group urged the Federal Government, Lagos State Government, Eko DisCo, and private energy stakeholders to take immediate steps to end the blackout.

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Proposed solutions include upgrading infrastructure, investing in renewable energy mini-grids, enforcing equitable power distribution, and ensuring community participation in energy planning.

“Government must enforce equitable power distribution and extend rural electrification projects to Ibeju Lekki coastal communities. Eko DisCo must also be held accountable to its license obligations,” Oriyomi stressed.

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While industrial projects in the axis enjoy steady electricity, surrounding communities remain in darkness, raising questions about fairness and inclusive development. Stakeholders warn that if urgent interventions are not made, the blackout could continue to cripple livelihoods and discourage further grassroots economic growth.

However, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently acknowledged the crisis during a visit to the area and promised intervention.

The Lagos State Government has also partnered with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and USAID to roll out an electricity cooperative model aimed at powering underserved communities in Ibeju-Lekki.