Written by
Ishioma Appiah-Yeboah
The Minister of Power, Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is working to deliver noticeable improvements in electricity supply before the end of the year as it intensifies efforts to tackle corruption and strengthen accountability in the power sector.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in Abuja, Tegbe said the Ministry is building strategic partnerships with anti-corruption and security agencies to address longstanding challenges affecting electricity supply.
He described the ICPC as a critical partner in the government’s drive to improve governance and transparency across the power sector.
“ICPC is one of the cardinal institutions we are engaging, alongside security agencies, to deepen transparency and accountability in the sector. We look forward to forging a sustainable and long-term relationship with the Commission,” the Minister said.
Tegbe noted that while reforms are underway, electricity can no longer be treated as a free commodity.
“Electricity is no longer free. One way or another, people must pay. Ultimately, someone has to bear the cost,” he said, while assuring that vulnerable Nigerians would be protected to ensure equitable access to electricity.
The Minister disclosed that approximately 30 per cent of the challenges facing the power sector stem from vandalism of critical infrastructure, stressing the need for stronger institutional collaboration to combat corruption, improve enforcement and protect national assets.
He also announced that Nigeria’s electricity generation has now exceeded 5,000 megawatts, describing it as a significant milestone and expressing confidence that sustained reforms and stronger collaboration with the ICPC would help consolidate the gains and further improve power supply.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, the Commission’s Secretary, Clifford Okwudili Oparaodu, commended the Ministry for identifying the anti-corruption agency as a strategic partner in repositioning the power sector.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to support the Ministry through its mandates of enforcement, corruption prevention and public education, adding that contractors and other stakeholders entrusted with public funds would be held accountable.
Oparaodu also urged the Ministry to intensify public enlightenment campaigns on the dangers of vandalising electricity infrastructure, noting that such acts undermine investments in the sector, disrupt electricity supply and slow Nigeria’s economic growth.
Both institutions concluded the meeting with a commitment to deepen collaboration in promoting transparency, protecting public resources and improving service delivery in Nigeria’s electricity sector.