Nigeria's Power Minister Targets Illegal Electricity Theft in Lagos

The Federal Government of Nigeria has raised concerns over illegal electricity connections by companies in Lagos State, which are allegedly stealing up to 150 megawatts of electricity daily by directly connecting to the national grid without authorization. Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe announced that the government would pursue these unnamed firms to recover unpaid electricity charges, aiming to reduce technical losses and enhance power supply.

This issue was uncovered while addressing electricity challenges in the Lagos corridor. Tegbe described the illegal connections as large-scale energy theft involving industrial facilities.

He emphasized that tackling unauthorized connections is part of broader efforts to improve the efficiency and reliability of Nigeria's electricity network. The government is also conducting a nationwide technical audit of electricity infrastructure and plans to build a new National Control Centre to replace the existing facility from 1962.

Additionally, Tegbe mentioned the establishment of two companies to manage infrastructure assets and mobilize financing for the power sector.