Power minister seeks EFCC help against energy theft

The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has requested the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to assist in combating vandalism and energy theft, which are estimated to cost the power sector billions of naira each year. During a visit to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, Tegbe, accompanied by a delegation from the Ministry of Power, urged the Commission to collaborate in investigating and prosecuting individuals and entities involved in economic crimes affecting the power sector.

Tegbe highlighted the need for the Commission's intervention in two key areas: vandalism of power infrastructure and energy theft. He explained that the Ministry of Power lacked the statutory authority to prosecute offenders and therefore sought the EFCC's support in taking legal action against those responsible. "We can only report to you. They can be arrested and prosecuted," Tegbe said.

Regarding energy theft, Tegbe acknowledged that some electricity consumers were failing to pay for the power they consumed, resulting in significant revenue losses to the sector. He emphasized the need for the EFCC's intervention to address this issue. Tegbe also commended the EFCC's achievements in investigating and prosecuting economic and financial crimes, as well as recovering proceeds of crime, praising the Commission's proactive approach.

The Minister expressed optimism that a stronger partnership between the Ministry of Power and the EFCC would help curb activities undermining the power sector and contribute to improving electricity supply. He also thanked the Commission for their involvement in a legal dispute that had stalled the 215-megawatt Kudendan Power Plant project in Kaduna State.

In response, the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, described vandalism and energy theft as revenue fraud and "major concerns and acts of economic sabotage." He pledged the Commission's collaboration with the Ministry to introduce Fraud Risk Assessment and Control mechanisms across all its projects, both abandoned and new. Olukoyede assured the Ministry of Power that the EFCC would work with them to monitor ongoing projects and implement preventive measures against fraud, stressing the importance of taking action before financial losses occur.