Power Minister Turns to EFCC as Electricity Theft and Vandalism Cost Billions

Posted by Chinenye on Wed 16th Sep, 2026 - tori.ng

Nigeria’s power sector is facing another major challenge as the government moves to tackle the growing theft and destruction of electricity infrastructure.

(The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe. Photo by IG/josephotegbe)

The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to tackle the rising problem of vandalism and theft of electricity infrastructure.

Tegbe also noted that some companies get electricity but don't pay their bills, causing the country to lose billions of naira every year.

He made these points during a courtesy visit to the EFCC office in Abuja on Tuesday.

Electricity distribution companies have been raising alarms about damaged power poles, stolen cables and other critical infrastructure being destroyed.

Tegbe said his ministry doesn't have the legal authority to prosecute people involved in vandalism and energy theft, so it needs help from other government agencies.

He stressed that solving the problem requires stronger teamwork between relevant agencies to protect the power system and make sure people who use electricity actually pay for it.

He also called for closer work between his ministry and the EFCC to improve enforcement and cut down on money lost in the sector.

The minister said he fully backs the EFCC's efforts to investigate and prosecute anyone involved in economic crimes damaging the power sector.

The EFCC chairman responded by calling vandalism and energy theft serious matters and forms of economic sabotage.

He promised the commission would work with the ministry to tackle the issue and also said they would conduct fraud risk assessments and controls on all ministry projects.