From David Onuoja, Abuja
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), in order to address corruption-related challenges and achieve sustainable improvements in Nigeria’s Power Sector.
In a press statement by Clement Ezeorah, Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Power, said, the Minister made the call during a courtesy visit to the ICPC headquarters in Abuja recently, to discuss some pressing issues affecting the power sector in Nigeria.
While speaking during the visit, the Minister assured Nigerians of the ongoing efforts to deliver visible improvements in electricity supply before the end of the year.
He emphasised that electricity impacts every citizen, whether rich or poor. “Electricity is no longer free. One way or another, people must pay. Ultimately, someone has to bear the cost.
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“I pledged to take care of the vulnerable groups as they will 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 stated.
While highlighting, he added 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 to sustain and expand these gains.
Responding on behalf of ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Aliyu, the Commission’s Secretary, Mr. Clifford Oparaodu, commended the Ministry of Power 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 therefore, 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.
