Ikeja Electric: We’ll name and shame staff who collect cash

Ikeja Electric says it would name and shame members of staff who receive cash payments, urging its customers to stop paying cash to staff.

In a statement released by the Felix Ofulue, the company’s head of corporate communications, the distribution company said its linesmen, engineers and technicians are not commissioned to receive cash payments of any kind.

“Basically, our Linesmen should not collect reconnection fees, neither are our Energy Sales Representatives (ESR’s) permitted to receive bill payments on behalf of customers,” it said.

“We have therefore embarked on an aggressive ‘name and shame’ campaign where parties who engage in this fraudulent act will face prosecution as dictated by the laws of the land.”

Ofulue, who labelled staff and ex-staff involved in this illegal act as saboteurs, asked customers to resist efforts by any staff to extract money from them illegally, and also report them to the management.

He disclosed that new multiple payment channels have been provided by the company to enable customers make convenient and seamless payments and purchase of tokens.

He explained that the new payment options were designed to offer all customers security, greater convenience and choice, and also intended to make the payment process more efficient.

“By expanding our payment platforms, customers can now make payments and purchase tokens seamlessly by using scratch card vouchers, which are sold by vendors and agents across its networks.

“Quick teller which can be accessed on mobile devices and through internet banking on online banking portals.”

The other payment channels, according to him, include Pawakad, a mobile app payment system which is managed by strategically located agents; Baxibox, commonly known as Baba Ijebu; Point-of-Sales terminals; and Direct Bank Teller in any Zenith Bank branch.

“We are committed to providing our customers with the greatest level of customer service and introducing these multiple secure and convenient payment channels is yet another aspect of our service offering,” he said.

While reacting to reports of unauthorized technicians and electricians posing as Ikeja Electric linesmen, Ofulue advised customers to ascertain the true identity of staff by requesting to see their identity cards.

“Ikeja Electric is a responsible organization which is accountable to its customers and have put processes in place to ensure the safety of our customers as well as the integrity of the company,” he said.