IBEDC Apologises To TCN Over Publication, Sanctions Erring Staff

From Lateef Taiwo

Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC, has admitted that a recent publication blaming faults in Transmission Company of Nigeria,TCN’s feeders and system failure for IBEDC’s inability to deliver estimated hours of supply was a gross misrepresentation in communication by some staff.

TCN had upon seeing the IBEDC’s publication issued a statement, clarifying that from its investigation and all the facts on ground, the said feeder was functioning well and therefore could not be blamed for the failure in power supply, the same way it would respond to similar claim by Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC, hours later.

In a rejoinder signed by its management and posted on its social media handle, the IBEDC apologised to TCN and other concerned stakeholders in the industry, even as it affirmed that disciplinary actions had been taken against the members of staff responsible for the misrepresentation.

The rejoinder read in part: “Our attention has been drawn to the TCN publication of 11th of April, 2024, where they pointed out a misrepresentation in IBEDC’s communication to its customers on band A feeders, where TCN was blamed for its inability to deliver the estimated hours of supply.

“We have reviewed this in the spirit of openness, transparency and accountability and found that to be correct.

Underscoring its commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism within the organisation, IBEDC said, “Management hereby acknowledges the energy and passion the Regulator and other stakeholders have put and continue to put into making this program-Revised Service Based Tariff succeed, and has taken swift action to correct this and send the right signals to our personnel by taking disciplinary actions on all those that were involved in misrepresenting the facts that were sent to the public.”

“Moving forward, we apologize for any confusion or inconvenience caused by the misrepresentation and reaffirm our dedication to providing a reliable electricity supply to all our customers, including those in band A and across our entire service area.

“We remain committed to serving our customers with excellence and integrity, and we appreciate your continued support and understanding.”