The Federal Government has intensified 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).
Minister of Power, Olasunkani Tegbe, made the commitment during a courtesy visit to the ICPC headquarters in Abuja, where he led the Ministry's top management team to discuss measures aimed at addressing corruption-related challenges affecting the electricity sector.
According to a statement by the Deputy Director Press and Public Relations, Clement Ezeorah, on Wednesday, Tegbe said the Ministry was engaging key institutions, including the ICPC and security agencies, to strengthen transparency, curb corruption and deliver sustainable improvements in electricity supply across the country.
He assured Nigerians that the government was working to achieve visible improvements in electricity supply before the end of the year, stressing that electricity remains critical to the well-being of every citizen.
The Minister noted that while electricity could no longer be provided free of charge, the government would ensure that vulnerable groups were protected to guarantee equitable access to power.
According to him, about 30 per cent of the challenges facing the power sector are linked to vandalism, underscoring the need for the ICPC's support in enforcing accountability and addressing corruption within the industry.
Tegbe also disclosed that Nigeria had recorded measurable progress in electricity generation, which has now surpassed 5,000 megawatts, expressing optimism that collaboration with the anti-corruption agency would help sustain and expand the gains.
Responding on behalf of ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, the Commission's Secretary, Clifford Okwudili Oparaodu, commended the Ministry for identifying the ICPC as a strategic partner in efforts to reposition the nation's power sector.
Oparaodu acknowledged Nigeria's longstanding electricity challenges but expressed confidence that improved power supply would boost industrialisation, create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
He reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to its core mandates of enforcement, corruption prevention and public education, assuring that contractors and other stakeholders entrusted with public resources would be held accountable.
He also urged the Ministry to intensify public enlightenment campaigns against the vandalism of electricity infrastructure, noting that such acts undermine national development and ultimately affect all Nigerians.