Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, asks the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to intervene in efforts to curb vandalism of power infrastructure and energy theft, which he says cost the sector billions of naira every year.
Tegbe makes the request during a courtesy visit to EFCC Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede at the commission’s Abuja headquarters, accompanied by a delegation from the Ministry of Power. He says the ministry lacks the statutory authority to prosecute offenders, and therefore needs the EFCC for investigation and prosecution. He points to theft of items such as manhole covers and other components, as well as damage to transmission towers. He also cites unpaid electricity bills by some customers and electricity-using companies as a source of major revenue losses.
According to EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale, the minister highlights the need for collaboration. EFCC Chairman Olukoyede describes the acts as revenue fraud and a form of economic sabotage, and pledges cooperation with the Ministry of Power to address the problems. Both outlets report the same core allegations, the same meeting, and the same call for joint action.
