By Tinuade Sanda
Under my leadership as MD/CEO of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), my team and I worked diligently to address various challenges and make significant progress in our operations. My role involved fostering a collaborative environment and providing strategic guidance, which contributed to our achievements and the setting of new benchmarks.
In 2022, I assumed office and encountered significant hurdles, including ATC&C losses at 29.87% and a CE of 82.69%. To address these challenges, my team and I adopted proactive strategies, encouraged collaboration, and remained steadfast in our commitment. By March 2024, we had made substantial progress, reducing ATC&C losses to 1% and improving CE to 99.25%, thereby establishing new operational efficiency benchmarks.
Under my leadership, EKEDC reached a milestone with its highest-ever monthly collection of N17.1 billion in January 2024, achieved without requiring a tariff increase. This accomplishment underscored the team’s financial acumen and strategic planning. Additionally, operational metrics showed notable improvement, with Energy Delivered totalling 261,785,052.50kWh and Energy billed at 236,050,490.21kWh.
Notably, I initiated the fast-delivery mass metering program (Mobile MAP Initiative) within 72 hours, resulting in the distribution of over 80,832 meters and a noticeable enhancement in customer service and satisfaction. Upon assuming office, I inherited the challenge of managing substantial loans, such as CBN Meter, operating expenditure (OPEX), and capital expenditure (CAPEX) loans. By prioritizing careful financial management, I successfully facilitated their repayment, thereby easing the financial burden on the company and contributing to a more stable financial environment.
By prioritizing a zero-tolerance policy for mediocrity and corruption, while also focusing on effective communication and strategic engagement, this contributed to EKEDC’s strong market remittance performance in Q3, 2023. Additionally, my commitment to excellence was recognized with prestigious awards, such as The Peak Performer CEO Of the Year (2023) and Vanguard’s Energy Icon of the Year (2023).
While rumors have been circulating, alleging that my appointment as MD/CEO had been terminated due to poor performance, it is important to clarify that this is a misrepresentation and not an accurate reflection of my performance as I have consistently received accolades from the board, recognizing my leadership as well as my management team’s strong performance.
For instance, on March 6, 2024, I received commendations from the Chairman of Human Resources & Corporate Services, Tunji Owolafe, following my correspondence about EKEDC’s compliance with market obligations, where he praised the performance of my team. He wrote in an email, “Dear MD, this is very good news, congratulations and well done to you and your team.” I had previously received similar accolades from Dr. Tunji Owolafe and the Board Chairman, Dere Otubu, on December 5th and 6th, 2023, for the strong November performance. Chairman Otubu wrote, “Congratulations to you and your team for the good performance in November.” These emails serve as evidence of the positive feedback I have received.
Under my leadership as MD/CEO of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), I encountered challenges beyond the operational realm. Despite my remarkable achievements and contributions to the company, I faced cyberbullying and slanderous attacks against my character.
What initially began as an investigation into fraudulent activities and ghost worker issues within the executive management team escalated into a malicious campaign aimed at discrediting me. Instead of addressing legitimate concerns, some individuals chose to propagate unfounded rumours and engage in cyberbullying tactics.
These attacks not only targeted me personally but also sought to undermine my professional reputation and leadership capabilities. The dissemination of false information and baseless accusations not only created unnecessary distractions within the company but also posed challenges to maintaining a focused work environment.
In the face of these unfounded rumors, I have consistently demonstrated transparency, integrity, and a strong commitment to excellence under my leadership. I remain dedicated to maintaining these core values, which have been the foundation of my leadership approach.