The Federal Government announced plans to create an electricity offences tribunal to combat power theft in Nigeria.
This was revealed by Aliyu Tahir, Managing Director of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency, during a briefing in Abuja on Thursday.
“We are working on the establishment of an electricity offences tribunal with an in-built appeal system for faster dispensation of electricity-related offences. It is to vest NEMSA in-house counsel with powers to prosecute electricity offences,” Tahir stated.
Tahir explained that the tribunal would help address electricity theft more effectively. The National Assembly has been informed about this initiative.
“We are looking at the establishment of this electricity tribunal to be able to enforce our mandates more. When you look at the enforcement, with respect to sanctioning of violators in the Act, it is a very long process. So to fast-track the prosecution of offenders, the establishment of this tribunal solely for the power sector will go a long way in ensuring that we fast-track the process, carry out enforcements, and sanction violators,” he said.
He noted that the tribunal would speed up the prosecution of electricity-related offences and that NEMSA was working closely with the National Assembly on this matter. “The establishment of this tribunal has been brought to the knowledge of the legislature and we’ve made submissions to them. Our hope is that they will amend the Electricity Act to include a provision for this,” Tahir added.
Tahir also mentioned that NEMSA was enhancing the process for establishing the tribunal with an appeal system to swiftly address power-related offences.
In line with NEMSA’s mandate, Tahir reported that 2,655,488 electricity meters had been tested and calibrated. “A total of 21,681 electricity installation projects have been inspected and tested, out of which 13,154 have been certified. Also, a total of 16,624 electricity networks have been monitored by NEMSA. About 4,921 factories, hazardous installations, and public places have been inspected, tested, and certified fit, while 2,655,488 electricity meters have been tested and calibrated, as 487 incidences were investigated by the agency,” Tahir said.
These figures are based on data compiled by NEMSA as of the first quarter of 2024. Tahir noted that the Electricity Act 2023 had strengthened the enforcement powers and responsibilities of the agency.
NEMSA, established in 2015, continues to test and calibrate meters to ensure their functionality, durability, and safety.
