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The Federal Government On Thursday announced that it is finalizing the establishment of an electricity offences tribunal that includes an appeal system to efficiently address power-related offenses.
It stated that 2,655,488 meters in the power sector have been tested and calibrated, with the majority of the equipment already in use by consumers nationwide.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Aliyu Tahir, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency, announced that the agency has tested and calibrated over 2.6 million meters as part of its mandate.
Tahir also mentioned that NEMSA, established by the Federal Government in 2015, continues to test and calibrate more meters to ensure their functionality, durability, and safety during use.
He added that NEMSA has inspected and tested 21,681 electricity installation projects, certifying 13,154 of them, and monitored a total of 16,624 electricity networks.
“About 4,921 factories, hazardous installations and public places have been inspected, tested and certified fit, while 2,655,488 electricity meters have been tested and calibrated, as 487 incidences were investigated by the agency.”
He explained that the figures were based on data compiled by NEMSA as of the first quarter of 2024, adding that the Electricity Act 2023 had strengthened the enforcement powers and responsibilities of the agency.
Tahir explained that NEMSA has been diligently working to establish an electricity offences tribunal, empowered by the Electricity Act, to expedite the trial of electricity-related crimes.
He emphasized that the tribunal would have an internal appeal system and would grant NEMSA's in-house counsel the authority to prosecute electricity offences.
Tahir further clarified that the initiative aims to effectively combat electricity theft and that the National Assembly has been informed about the plan.
He stressed that the tribunal's establishment would streamline the process of prosecuting offenders and enforcing sanctions, particularly in the power sector.
Tahir also mentioned that NEMSA is engaging with the National Assembly to incorporate provisions for the tribunal in the Electricity Act.
