Power Minister Seeks EFCC Help To Tackle Electricity Theft, Vandalism

The Federal Government has sought the assistance of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in tackling vandalism, electricity theft and unpaid electricity bills blamed for significant financial losses in Nigeria’s power sector.

Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, made the appeal on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.

According to reports, Tegbe said the Ministry of Power lacked the statutory authority to prosecute individuals involved in vandalising electricity infrastructure and stealing power, making stronger collaboration with the anti-graft agency necessary.

The minister also raised concerns over companies and other electricity consumers who have access to power but fail to settle their bills, saying the situation was costing the country billions of naira annually.

He noted that the continued destruction of electricity poles, theft of cables and other critical power equipment had become a major challenge for the sector, with electricity distribution companies repeatedly highlighting the impact of the problem.

Tegbe called for closer cooperation among relevant government agencies to protect power infrastructure, curb electricity theft and ensure that consumers pay for electricity supplied to them.

He also expressed support for the EFCC’s efforts to investigate and prosecute individuals and organisations involved in economic crimes affecting the power sector.

Responding, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede described vandalism and electricity theft as forms of revenue fraud and acts of economic sabotage that require stronger enforcement.

Olukoyede assured the minister of the commission’s readiness to work with the Ministry of Power to address the challenges and strengthen enforcement across the sector.

He further disclosed that the EFCC would introduce Fraud Risk Assessment and Control measures across projects under the Ministry of Power as part of efforts to prevent financial losses and curb economic crimes.