Power Ministry, ICPC Join Forces to Tackle Corruption, Vandalism in Electricity Sector

Olasunkani Tegbe
Minister of Power 

.... As Tegbe asssures Nigerians that the Federal Government was working to deliver noticeable improvements in electricity supply before the end of the year, stressing that electricity remains critical to national development and the wellbeing of every citizen.

The Federal Government has stepped up efforts to improve accountability and transparency in Nigeria's power sector through a strategic partnership with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), as part of broader measures to boost electricity supply across the country.

Minister of Power, Olasunkani Tegbe, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the ICPC headquarters in Abuja, where he met with the Commission's leadership to discuss corruption-related challenges hindering the growth of the electricity sector.

Tegbe said the Ministry was engaging the anti-graft agency alongside other security institutions to strengthen transparency, enforce accountability and curb practices undermining power sector reforms.

He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government was working to deliver noticeable improvements in electricity supply before the end of the year, stressing that electricity remains critical to national development and the wellbeing of every citizen.

The Minister noted that while electricity services come at a cost, the government would continue to protect vulnerable groups to ensure equitable access.

According to him, about 30 per cent of the sector's challenges stem from vandalism of electricity infrastructure, underscoring the need for ICPC's institutional support in tackling corruption and safeguarding critical assets.

Tegbe also disclosed that Nigeria's power generation has now surpassed 5,000 megawatts, expressing confidence that stronger collaboration with the ICPC would help sustain and improve the gains already recorded.

Responding on behalf of ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, the Commission's Secretary, Clifford Okwudili Oparaodu, welcomed the partnership, describing the Ministry's engagement with the Commission as a significant step towards repositioning the nation's electricity sector.

Oparaodu said improved power supply would accelerate industrialisation, create jobs and stimulate economic growth, while reaffirming the Commission's commitment to enforcing accountability among contractors and other stakeholders managing public resources.

He warned that the ICPC would not allow anyone entrusted with government funds to defraud the nation and urged the Ministry to intensify public enlightenment campaigns against vandalism of electricity infrastructure.

The collaboration is expected to strengthen anti-corruption measures in the power sector while supporting ongoing reforms aimed at delivering more reliable electricity to Nigerians.

 PRESS RELEASE

GOVERNMENT INTENSIFIES EFFORTS ON ACCOUNTABILITY IN POWER SECTOR THROUGH ICPC COLLABORATION

The Honourable Minister of Power, Olasunkani Tegbe, has called for collaboration between the Ministry of Power and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to address corruption-related challenges and achieve sustainable improvements in Nigeria’s electricity supply.

The Honourable Minister accompanied by top management officials of the Ministry made the call during a courtesy visit to the ICPC headquarters in Abuja on 13th of July to discuss pressing issues affecting the power sector.

Speaking during the visit, the Minister assured Nigerians of ongoing efforts to deliver visible improvements in electricity supply before the end of the year. 

He emphasized that electricity impacts every citizen, rich or poor.

 “Electricity is no longer free. One way or another, people must pay.  Ultimately, someone has to bear the cost,” he stated as he also pledged that the vulnerable groups would be protected to ensure equitable access.

“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,” he added.

The Minister highlighted that about 30 percent of challenges in the sector are linked to vandalism, stressing the need for ICPC’s guidance and institutional support in tackling corruption and enforcing accountability.

 He noted that Nigeria has already recorded measurable progress, with power generation now exceeding 5,000 megawatts, and expressed optimism that collaboration with ICPC would help sustain and expand these gains.

Hosting the delegation on behalf of ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, the Commission’s Secretary, Mr. Clifford Okwudili Oparaodu,  commended the Ministry for recognizing ICPC as a strategic partner in repositioning Nigeria’s power sector.

Oparaodu acknowledged the longstanding electricity challenges but expressed confidence that improved supply would stimulate industrialization, create jobs, and accelerate economic growth. He reiterated ICPC’s commitment to its three-pronged mandate of enforcement, corruption prevention, and public education, assuring that contractors and stakeholders entrusted with public resources would be held accountable.

“Through our enforcement mandate, the Commission will ensure that contractors and other stakeholders handling government resources are prevented from defrauding the government,” Oparaodu affirmed.

He further advised the Ministry to also consider embarking on sensitization campaigns to educate citizens on the dangers of vandalizing electricity infrastructure, noting that such acts ultimately harm all Nigerians.

Clement Ezeorah

DD (Press and Public Relations)

Federal Ministry of Power