FG Investigates N120bn Loss from Electricity Theft

The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced an investigation into suspected electricity theft and unexplained power losses along the 132-kilovolt Ikorodu–Sagamu industrial corridor, which spans Ogun and Lagos states. This investigation was prompted by findings indicating that around 100 megawatts of electricity may be unaccounted for, leading to estimated annual losses of N120 billion in the Nigerian electricity market.

Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, announced this during a meeting with industrial electricity users and stakeholders in Lagos on August 28, 2026. He instructed relevant agencies to identify the causes of the discrepancies between transmitted and billed electricity, emphasizing the need for a transparent investigation based on verifiable data.

The corridor is vital for numerous manufacturing companies that rely on electricity. Monitoring systems from the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) have indicated unusual loading patterns and significant discrepancies in electricity accounting.

The investigation will examine potential causes, including technical losses, metering issues, commercial leakages, and electricity theft.