Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The Minister of Power, Olasunkani Tegbe, has called for collaboration between the Ministry of Power and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, to address corruption-related challenges and achieve sustainable improvements in Nigeria’s electricity supply.
The Minister accompanied by top management officials of the Ministry made the call during a courtesy visit to the ICPC headquarters in Abuja on 13th of July to discuss pressing issues affecting the power sector.
Speaking during the visit, the Minister assured Nigerians of ongoing efforts to deliver visible improvements in electricity supply before the end of the year.
He emphasized that electricity impacts every citizen, rich or poor.
“Electricity is no longer free. One way or another, people must pay. Ultimately, someone has to bear the cost,” he stated as he also pledged that the vulnerable groups would be protected to ensure equitable access.
“ICPC is one of the cardinal institutions we are engaging, alongside security agencies, to deepen transparency and accountability in the sector. We look forward to forging a sustainable and long-term relationship with the Commission,” he added.
The Minister highlighted that about 30 percent of challenges in the sector are linked to vandalism, stressing the need for ICPC’s guidance and institutional support in tackling corruption and enforcing accountability.
He noted that Nigeria has already recorded measurable progress, with power generation now exceeding 5,000 megawatts, and expressed optimism that collaboration with ICPC would help sustain and expand these gains.
Hosting the delegation on behalf of ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, the Commission’s Secretary, Mr. Clifford Okwudili Oparaodu, commended the Ministry for recognizing ICPC as a strategic partner in repositioning Nigeria’s power sector.
Oparaodu acknowledged the longstanding electricity challenges but expressed confidence that improved supply would stimulate industrialization, create jobs, and accelerate economic growth. He reiterated ICPC’s commitment to its three-pronged mandate of enforcement, corruption prevention, and public education, assuring that contractors and stakeholders entrusted with public resources would be held accountable.
“Through our enforcement mandate, the Commission will ensure that contractors and other stakeholders handling government resources are prevented from defrauding the government,” Oparaodu affirmed.
He further advised the Ministry to also consider embarking on sensitization campaigns to educate citizens on the dangers of vandalizing electricity infrastructure, noting that such acts ultimately harm all Nigerians.
