Amanze Chinonye
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on Thursday sealed the headquarters of Ikeja Electric (IE) over what it described as persistent violations of consumer rights and the company’s refusal to comply with binding regulatory directives, Prime Business Africa reports.
The enforcement action, carried out on December 11, 2025, followed months of engagements and multiple warnings issued to the electricity distribution company by both the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the FCCPC.
According to the Commission, Ikeja Electric failed to implement a NERC decision mandating it to unbundle a Maximum Demand account into 20 non-Maximum Demand accounts one for each of 19 residential units and an additional service point owned by a complainant. The directive also required the company to meter and connect the recognised units individually.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelREAD ALSO : FCCPC Cracks Down on Rogue Loan Apps with Landmark Regulations, ₦100m Penalties
Ikeja, Eko Charge Higher As DisCos Release New Meter Prices
Despite the ruling, Ikeja Electric allegedly took no steps to comply, leaving the complainant without electricity supply for more than two and a half years. The prolonged blackout, the FCCPC noted, rendered the 19 residential units unusable, even after the complainant had paid all requested charges and fulfilled all obligations.
The FCCPC said it engaged the company repeatedly, including issuing a detailed compliance directive in April 2025 and a formal Compliance Notice on October 2, 2025, giving seven business days for full compliance. Neither action, the Commission said, resulted in corrective steps by Ikeja Electric.
Citing multiple provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), the Commission said it had exhausted voluntary compliance channels before resorting to sealing the company’s facility. Sections 17 and 18 of the Act empower the Commission to issue directives and take enforcement actions, including sealing premises linked to ongoing consumer harm. Sections 124, 150 and 155 further prohibit unfair service practices, permit escalated enforcement where compliance notices are ignored, and criminalise infringements of consumer rights.
The Commission described Thursday’s move as “proportionate,” stressing that the seal would remain in place until Ikeja Electric fully complies with the directives of both regulators and submits written proof of compliance.
“Consumers are entitled to fair treatment and timely access to essential services. The Commission will continue to enforce the law to protect these rights and ensure that service providers meet their obligations,” the FCCPC stated.
As of press time, Ikeja Electric had not issued a response.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
