The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has clarified the reason behind the recent disconnection of power supply to the Moniya Train Station, a critical terminal for the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge railway located in Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In response to inquiries made by newsmen on the development, IBEDC confirmed that the action was necessitated by non-payment of electricity bills by the facility.
This clarification comes amid public concern following publications in a section of the online newspapers on Thursday, which revealed that passengers and staff at the station were experiencing severe discomfort due to the absence of electricity.
According to Mrs. Angela Olanrewaju, Coordinating Head of Corporate Services at IBEDC, the company had made several attempts to resolve the situation amicably before resorting to the disconnection.
“We can confirm that the Moniya Train Station was disconnected due to non-payment, and it is an issue we have been engaging them on towards an amicable resolution,” Olanrewaju stated.
She, however, declined to disclose the exact amount owed by the station, citing legal restrictions tied to customer confidentiality.
In her words: “As per the amount of their indebtedness, we apologize that we will be unable to provide details as to the customer’s financial dealings with us, without their written approval, in line with data privacy laws.”
Recall that the Moniya Train Station is a flagship project of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) under the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge Railway, which was commissioned in June 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari to serve as a major gateway for commuters traveling between Lagos, Abeokuta, and Ibadan.
The media publications however, highlighted that power had been out at the station for several weeks, affecting air conditioning, lighting, electronic ticketing, and general comfort. Station staff were reportedly relying on flashlights and natural ventilation, while passengers were exposed to heat and delays.
This situation raised public concerns over operational efficiency and government facility management, especially considering the critical role rail transportation is expected to play in reducing pressure on roads and enhancing economic mobility in the southwest region.
Though the specific timeline for restoring electricity to the Moniya Train Station remains unclear, IBEDC has reiterated its commitment to working with the concerned authorities to resolve the matter without compromising service standards or corporate governance.
“We are always open to dialogue and are working towards a resolution that ensures continued service to such a strategic national infrastructure,” Olanrewaju noted.