In a major bid to curb multi-billion naira losses in Nigeria's power sector, the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has officially appealed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for enforcement support.

 

Speaking during a visit to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, Tegbe highlighted that systemic vandalism, electricity theft, and persistent non-payment of bills continue to cripple the country's energy infrastructure and financial viability.

 

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**Key Highlights of the Strategic Partnership**

 

* **Lack of Prosecutorial Power:** Minister Tegbe noted that the Ministry of Power lacks the statutory authority to directly prosecute offenders, making a partnership with law enforcement essential.

* **Targeting Non-Paying Entities:** The ministry expressed concern over commercial companies and individuals consuming power without settling their bills, resulting in massive annual revenue losses.

* **Protecting Critical Infrastructure:** Persistent cable theft, destruction of utility poles, and equipment tampering remain severe challenges reported by Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos).

* **EFCC's Commitment:** EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede declared power sector crimes as direct acts of **economic sabotage and revenue fraud**, pledging joint enforcement operations with the ministry.

* **Preventative Oversight:** The EFCC will implement Fraud Risk Assessment and Control measures across ongoing and future Ministry of Power projects to stem financial leaks.

 

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> *"Vandalism and energy theft are revenue fraud and major acts of economic sabotage."*

> — **Ola Olukoyede, EFCC Chairman**

 

By leveraging the EFCC's investigative and prosecutorial powers, the Federal Government aims to deter infrastructure destruction, enforce bill collection, and stabilize financial performance across the national grid.