The Federal Government has advocated for severe penalties, including capital punishment, for individuals engaged in power theft or vandalization of power installations.
The government emphasized its commitment to implementing measures aimed at ensuring consistent power supply in the future and significantly enhancing power distribution in the immediate term.
During a meeting with top agency heads at the Ministry of Power, Minister Chief Adebayo Adelabu sternly warned Distribution Companies (Discos) against refusing loads, stating that such actions were unacceptable and could result in the withdrawal of their licenses.
Key agencies present at the meeting included the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET), and Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
Adelabu outlined plans for potential increases in Disco capital, emphasizing the need for more financial investment to bolster infrastructure within the sector. He also stressed the importance of improving the technical skills of industry personnel, noting that the sector still relied heavily on former employees of the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA).
Expressing frustration over vandalism and power theft, Adelabu underscored the detrimental impact on efforts to achieve uninterrupted power supply and the nation’s overall progress. He highlighted collaborative efforts with security agencies and proposed tougher legislation, including advocating for capital punishment for those involved in vandalism and various forms of power theft, including meter bypassing.
Adelabu emphasized the importance of protecting power infrastructure, which he described as assets belonging to all citizens and essential for national development. He reiterated the government’s determination to address these challenges decisively to ensure a reliable and efficient power sector.
