By Adewale Owoade
The National Assembly’s House Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening legislative measures aimed at curbing energy theft across Nigeria’s energy sector.
The Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Hamisu Ibrahim, made this assurance during an oversight visit to the Executive Management of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc (IBEDC).
He disclosed that the National Assembly is currently intensifying efforts on a bill to combat energy theft through stricter penalties, enhanced enforcement and improved protection of electricity assets.
“Energy theft has become a major obstacle to efficient electricity distribution in Nigeria. We are working on a robust legal framework that will decisively address this menace and safeguard infrastructure investments,” he said.
He further pledged the committee’s support in helping electricity distribution companies (DisCos) recover huge outstanding debts owed by federal and state ministries, departments, agencies, and local governments.
According to him, the committee is ready to collaborate with the DisCos to ensure that the debts are duly settled to strengthen liquidity across the energy sector.
“I want to assure the DisCos that this committee is going to stand firm to ensure these debts are recovered,” Ibrahim added.
Earlier, IBEDC’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Francis Agoha, appealed for the National Assembly’s intervention on energy theft and outstanding debts by federal and state institutions.
He emphasised that these issues have significantly constrained liquidity across the market, affecting IBEDC’s capacity to further expand and fortify its distribution infrastructure.
Agoha briefed the committee on IBEDC’s investments and infrastructure improvements since the 2013 privatisation, highlighting progress made in network expansion, metering, safety and customer service delivery.
He also outlined the company’s strategic plans for future growth, while noting the challenges faced.
“We have significantly expanded and rehabilitated our distribution network, but the challenges of energy theft, vandalism, and outstanding government debts continue to undermine our service delivery.
“We appreciate the National Assembly’s willingness to intervene,” he said.
The committee inspected critical distribution infrastructure of IBEDC.
The visit formed part of the legislature’s mandate to assess the energy sector’s performance, identify operational challenges, and compliance with regulatory standards since privatisation.
Other members of the committee present during the visit included Rep. Ganiyu Ayuba Member representing Alimosho Federal Constituency (Lagos), Rep. Donatus Mathew (Kaura Federal Constituency, Kaduna), Rep. Omirin Olusanya (Atakunmosa/Ilesa, Osun), and representatives from the Bureau of Public Enterprises. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
