Ikeja Electric Issues Urgent Warning on Power Supply Disruptions
Thousands of customers within the Ikeja Electric network may experience significant disruptions to their electricity supply if they fail to submit valid identification details before the February 20, 2026 deadline. This directive stems from the newly implemented Nigeria Tax Act (2025), which mandates specific identification requirements for all invoices issued across the country.
Mandatory Identification Requirements Under New Tax Law
In a public notice released on Wednesday, the electricity distribution company explicitly stated that customers must provide either their Tax Identification Number (TIN), National Identification Number (NIN), or Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration number. The company emphasized that failure to comply with this requirement could render electricity invoices invalid under the current legal framework.
According to Ikeja Electric, this directive aligns directly with the Nigeria Tax Act (2025), which officially took effect on January 1, 2026. The legislation requires that all invoices issued within Nigeria, including electricity bills, must contain at least one verifiable identification number for comprehensive tax and audit purposes. The distribution company clarified that any invoice generated without a TIN, NIN, or CAC registration number would not meet the stringent requirements of this new tax regime.
Specific Customer Categories Affected
Ikeja Electric has specifically identified that postpaid customers and those on estimated billing systems must update their details promptly to avoid potential service interruptions. The company explained that without valid identification data, they would be unable to legally generate invoices, which could eventually halt billing processes and affect electricity supply for non-compliant customers.
Customers have been directed to update their information starting from their January 2026 bills by completing a designated online form provided by the company. The compliance window is notably limited, with the company urging affected consumers to take immediate action before the rapidly approaching deadline.
Company Clarifications and Industry Context
Speaking on this development, Ikeja Electric's Head of Corporate Communications, Kingsley Okotie, provided important clarifications regarding customer categories. He explained that prepaid customers are not affected by this directive, as the requirement applies exclusively to customers who receive monthly invoices, including those on estimated billing systems.
When addressing concerns about the relatively short notice period, Okotie acknowledged that the February 20 deadline is indeed approaching quickly. However, he emphasized that this timeline is determined by statutory requirements under the new tax law, leaving the company with limited flexibility regarding implementation schedules.
Industry analysts observing this development note that the move reflects a broader implementation phase of the Nigeria Tax Act (2025), with utility companies playing a crucial role in ensuring nationwide compliance. They highlighted that this policy aligns with federal government efforts to strengthen tax documentation systems, expand the national identification database, and improve overall revenue transparency across various sectors.
Background Context and Previous Violations
This directive comes amid previous controversies involving Ikeja Electric and consumer rights violations. The Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) recently accused the distribution company of multiple violations of consumer protection regulations.
The FCCPC had previously sealed the distribution company's headquarters over alleged non-compliance with multiple directives from both the commission and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). Specific allegations included denying a customer electricity access for over two and a half years despite the customer meeting all financial obligations.
As the February 20 deadline approaches, affected customers are advised to prioritize updating their identification details through the official channels provided by Ikeja Electric to maintain uninterrupted electricity service and ensure compliance with national tax legislation.
