Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to assist the Federal Government in tackling electricity theft and vandalism of power infrastructure across Nigeria.
Tegbe made the request on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the EFCC Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The minister said vandalism of electricity infrastructure had become a major threat to the power sector, noting that the Ministry of Power lacked the statutory authority to prosecute offenders.
He called for closer collaboration with the EFCC to investigate and prosecute individuals, businesses and other entities allegedly involved in economic crimes linked to the electricity sector.
Tegbe also raised concerns about energy theft and non-payment of electricity bills, saying some companies with access to electricity allegedly consume power without paying the appropriate charges, resulting in billions of naira in annual losses.
Responding, Olukoyede described vandalism and energy theft as forms of revenue fraud and economic sabotage. He assured the minister that the EFCC was prepared to collaborate with the ministry to address the challenges.
He also said the commission would support the introduction of Fraud Risk Assessment and Control mechanisms in power-sector projects to strengthen accountability and protect public investments.
