On June 20, 2024, the Federal Government announced that it is in the process of creating a tribunal specifically dedicated to addressing cases of Electricity theft as a measure to combat the issue within the country. Aliyu Tahir, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), announced during a briefing in Abuja that plans are underway to create a tribunal dedicated to handling electricity-related offences. This tribunal will include an appeals process to ensure quick resolution of such cases.
Additionally, NEMSA’s in-house legal team will be given authority to prosecute these offences. Tahir explained in more detail about the tribunal, emphasizing that once put into action, it would effectively combat electricity theft. He also mentioned that the National Assembly had been briefed on this initiative. To enhance their ability to enforce their rules, they are considering an electricity tribunal. The process of punishing those who break the law is currently quite lengthy, so this tribunal would help streamline that process.
Enforcement actions will be taken promptly against violators of the laws.
His statement emphasized the importance of creating a dedicated tribunal for the power sector in order to expedite the prosecution of offenders. This initiative will not only streamline the process, but also ensure that enforcement actions are taken promptly against those who violate the laws. The director of NEMSA announced that, in accordance with the authority granted to the agency by the Electricity Act, efforts have been made to set up a tribunal dedicated to quickly handling cases of electricity-related crimes.
He observed that the tribunal would swiftly tackle cases of electricity theft and ensure that offenders are promptly brought to justice. Tahir mentioned that the agency had been in communication with the National Assembly regarding this matter. He added that they have informed the legislature about the creation of this tribunal and have submitted their recommendations to them. They are optimistic that the legislature will make changes to the Electricity Act to accommodate this tribunal.
NEMSA has successfully tested and calibrated over 2.6 million metres.
Furthermore, he mentioned that his agency was refining the procedure for creating an electricity violations court that includes a built-in mechanism for appeals in order to efficiently address crimes relating to power. A grand total of 2,655,488 metres in the power sector were carefully examined and adjusted to ensure accuracy. The majority of these metres have been distributed for consumer use nationwide. Tahir announced that NEMSA has successfully tested and calibrated more than 2.6 million metres, in accordance with the agency’s directive.
In 2015, the federal government of Nigeria established the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), an agency responsible for testing and calibrating metres to guarantee their functionality, durability, and safety during operation. He mentioned that the agency has not ceased to conduct tests on additional metres. The agency has inspected and tested over 21,000 electricity installation projects, certifying over 13,000 of the projects. Additionally, the agency has monitored 16,624 electricity networks for safety and compliance.
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The NEMSA boss noted that a total of 4,921 facilities, dangerous sites, and public areas have undergone inspection and testing to ensure they meet certification standards. Additionally, 2,655,488 electricity metres have been tested and adjusted for accuracy, with the agency investigating 487 incidents. According to Tahir, the statistics were gathered from information organized by NEMSA up to the beginning of 2024. He also mentioned that the Electricity Act of 2023 had increased the authority and duties of the agency in enforcing regulations.